Printing system, printing device, printing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To provide a printing system, a printing device, a printing method, an information processing device, and a program that reduce the effort required for processing. [Solution] The printing system is a printing system comprising a printing device and an information processing device, wherein the printing device comprises a printing unit and a control unit, and the information processing device comprises an information storage unit and an information control unit, wherein the information control unit receives a target print instruction, receives a surplus print instruction, and transmits surplus data and one or more print jobs to the printing device, and wherein the control unit acquires target image data indicating a target image including a product image, acquires surplus image data indicating surplus images not including product images and having a size that matches the target image, prints a target area E1 by printing the target image in the number indicated by the print job, and prints surplus area E2 by printing the surplus images in the number indicated by the surplus data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing device, a printing method, an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a processing device that processes a medium. This processing device is configured to cut a cut into the medium with a processing blade. The medium processed by such a processing device may be manufactured by a printing device. The printing device is configured to print an image of a product to be processed onto the medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-355794 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Processing devices sometimes require a surplus area on the medium that is different from the target area where the product image to be processed is located. The surplus area is used in the processing device for adjusting the processing blade, setting the medium in the processing device, etc. Printing devices create a surplus area on the medium by printing extra product images. In this case, the number of prints must be set in the printing device, including the extra product images, which increases the processing effort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A printing system that solves the above problem includes a printing device that prints an image on a medium and an information processing device that processes information related to the printing device, wherein the printing device includes a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, and a control unit that controls the printing unit based on a print job including the print image data, and the information processing device includes an information storage unit that stores a plurality of print jobs, and an information control unit that transmits information to the printing device, and the information control unit receives one or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs, thereby receiving a target print instruction to print a target area, and an excess print instruction to print an excess area different from the target area. The control unit is configured to receive an instruction, and send surplus data based on the surplus printing instruction and the one or more print jobs to the printing device, and the control unit is configured to obtain target image data indicating a target image including the product image from the print image data, obtain surplus image data indicating an surplus image not including the product image from the print image data, the surplus image data indicating the surplus image having a size that matches the target image, print the target area by printing the target image in the number indicated by the print job, and print the surplus area by printing the surplus image in the number indicated by the surplus data.

[0006] A printing device that solves the above problem includes a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, and a control unit that controls the printing unit based on a print job that includes the print image data, and the control unit is configured to perform the following operations: accept the print job to print a target area; accept surplus data to print a surplus area different from the target area; acquire target image data that indicates a target image that includes the product image from the print image data; acquire surplus image data from the print image data that indicates a surplus image that does not include the product image, the surplus image data indicating the surplus image that matches the size of the target image; print the target area using the number of target images indicated by the print job; and print the surplus area using the number of surplus images indicated by the surplus data.

[0007] A printing method that solves the above problem is a printing method in which a computer controls a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, based on a print job including the print image data, and includes the computer accepting the print job to print a target area, accepting surplus data to print a surplus area different from the target area, acquiring target image data that indicates a target image that includes the product image from the print image data, acquiring surplus image data from the print image data that indicates a surplus image that does not include the product image, the surplus image data indicating the surplus image that matches the size of the target image, printing the target area with the number of target images indicated by the print job, and printing the surplus area with the number of surplus images indicated by the surplus data.

[0008] An information processing device that solves the above problem is an information processing device that processes information related to a printing device that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, and is equipped with an information storage unit that stores a plurality of print jobs including the print image data and a plurality of layout files, and an information control unit that sends information to the printing device, wherein the information control unit is configured to: accept a target print instruction to print a target area in which a target image including the product image is located in the number indicated by the one or more print jobs by accepting one or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs; accept a surplus print instruction to print a surplus area in which a surplus image not including the product image is located in the number indicated by the one or more layout files by accepting one or more layout files selected from the plurality of layout files; and send the one or more layout files and the one or more print jobs to the printing device.

[0009] A program that solves the above problem is a program that causes a computer to process information related to a printing device that prints an image on a medium based on print image data that includes a product image. The program is executed by a computer that has an information storage unit that stores multiple print jobs that include the print image data and multiple layout files, and an information control unit that sends information to the printing device. The program causes the computer to: accept a target print instruction to print a target area in which target images that include the product image are located in the number indicated by the one or more print jobs by accepting one or more print jobs selected from the multiple print jobs; accept a surplus print instruction to print a surplus area in which surplus images that do not include the product image are located in the number indicated by the one or more layout files by accepting one or more layout files selected from the multiple layout files; and send the one or more layout files and the one or more print jobs to the printing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a printing system and its peripheral configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a printing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an image being printed on a medium. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a situation where multiple print jobs are executed on a medium. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the media as it is processed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where a medium on which multiple print jobs have been executed is being processed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing data exchange between the printing system and its peripheral components. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of print image data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of print image data. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of job data. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of surplus data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a surplus area. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the list screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the job setting screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the surplus setting screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the transmission process in the first, second and third embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the first, second and third embodiments. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the area printing process of the first embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the surplus area printed with the first pattern in the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the case where the surplus area is printed using the second pattern in the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the area printing process of the second and third embodiments. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a case where a first surplus area is printed between a first target area and a second target area in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a second surplus area printed between the first target area and the second target area in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a second embodiment in which a first surplus area and a second surplus area are printed between a first target area and a second target area. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing printing of a surplus image including a pattern image in the third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the transmission process of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing printing of a marker-free image in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing printing of the first marker-free image in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the printing of the second marker-less image in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a transmission process different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a case where an empty conveyance is performed instead of printing a mark-less image in the example shown in FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a case where an empty conveyance is performed instead of printing the first mark-less image in the example shown in FIG. [Figure 35]FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a case where an empty conveyance is performed instead of printing the second mark-less image in the example shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system including a printing device and an information processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. <Printing system> 1, the printing system 11 includes one or more printing devices 12 and one information processing device 13. The printing devices 12 and the information processing device 13 are each connected to a network 14. The network 14 is a communication network such as a WAN or LAN. The printing devices 12 and the information processing device 13 communicate with each other through the network 14.

[0012] The printing system 11 is configured to communicate with one or more terminal devices 15. The terminal device 15 is a terminal owned by a user. The terminal device 15 may be a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or the like. The terminal device 15 is connected to a network 14. The terminal device 15 communicates with an information processing device 13 through the network 14. The terminal device 15 may also communicate with a printing device 12 through the network 14. The user uses the printing system 11 through the terminal device 15.

[0013] The printing device 12 is configured to print an image on the medium M1. The printing device 12 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium M1. The medium M1 is, for example, label paper. The label paper includes a backing paper and a label to be attached to the backing paper. The printing device 12 prints an image on the medium M1 before it is processed by the processing device 16.

[0014] The printed medium M1 is processed by one or more of the multiple processing devices 16. The processing device 16 is configured to process the printed medium M1. The processing device 16 processes the medium M1, for example, by making a cut in the medium M1. In one example, the processing device 16 processes the medium M1 by making a cut in the label of a label paper. The processing device 16 may make a cut in the label paper together with the backing paper.

[0015] <Printing device> As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 12 may include a processing terminal 21. The processing terminal 21 is configured to process information received by the printing device 12. The processing terminal 21 includes a control unit and a storage unit. More specifically, the processing terminal 21 includes a processing control unit 22 and a processing storage unit 23. The storage unit is configured to store a program. The storage unit is configured to include memory such as ROM and RAM. The storage unit may include a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, etc. The control unit is configured to execute processing in accordance with the program stored in the storage unit. The control unit is configured to include a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control unit may include a hardware circuit such as an ASIC. In this way, the processing terminal 21 is realized by a computer. The processing terminal 21 is, for example, a personal computer. The processing terminal 21 may also be a smartphone, a tablet, etc.

[0016] The processing control unit 22 is configured to receive a print job. The print job includes image data to be printed. The processing control unit 22 is configured to perform image conversion and image processing on the image data included in the print job. The processing control unit 22 includes a RIP (Raster Image Processor). The processing control unit 22 is configured to rasterize the image data. The processing control unit 22 converts the image data into raster image data. In other words, the processing control unit 22 converts the image data into halftone dot data. The printing device 12 prints an image on the medium M1 based on the converted image data. The processing storage unit 23 stores programs related to image conversion, image processing, etc. The processing storage unit 23 stores, for example, a program related to rasterization.

[0017] The processing terminal 21 may include a display unit. More specifically, the processing terminal 21 may include a processing display unit 24. The display unit is configured to display information. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The processing display unit 24 is configured to display information related to the printing device 12. The processing display unit 24 displays, for example, a screen related to image conversion and image processing.

[0018] The processing terminal 21 may include an operation unit. More specifically, the processing terminal 21 may include a processing operation unit 25. The operation unit is an interface operated by a user. The processing operation unit 25 may be a touch panel, a pointing device, a keyboard, or the like. The user operates the processing operation unit 25 to operate the printing device 12. The user may change settings related to image conversion, image processing, and the like through the processing operation unit 25.

[0019] The printing device 12 includes a device main body 26. The device main body 26 is connected to the processing terminal 21. The device main body 26 receives data from the processing terminal 21. The device main body 26 may have the processing terminal 21 built in. In other words, the processing terminal 21 is not limited to being an external computer to the device main body 26, but may also be a computer built in the device main body 26.

[0020] The device main body 26 includes a payout spindle 27. The payout spindle 27 is configured to pay out the medium M1. A roll R1 is attached to the payout spindle 27. The roll R1 is an article on which the medium M1 is wound up. The roll R1 on which the medium M1 before printing is wound up is set on the payout spindle 27.

[0021] The device main body 26 may include a winding shaft 28. The winding shaft 28 is configured to wind up the medium M1. As the winding shaft 28 winds up the medium M1, a roll R1 is formed on the winding shaft 28. In other words, the winding shaft 28 forms the roll R1 in which the printed medium M1 is wound up.

[0022] The device main body 26 includes a transport unit 29. The transport unit 29 is configured to transport the medium M1. The transport unit 29 transports the medium M1 from the supply spindle 27 toward the take-up spindle 28. The transport unit 29 may transport the medium M1 from the supply spindle 27 toward the processing device 16. In other words, the printing device 12 may be configured to print on the medium M1 inline with the processing device 16. The transport unit 29 includes, for example, one or more rollers. The transport unit 29 transports the medium M1 by rotating. The transport unit 29 may transport the medium M1 intermittently or continuously.

[0023] The device main body 26 includes a support table 30. The support table 30 is configured to support the medium M1. The support table 30 is located, for example, between the supply spindle 27 and the take-up spindle 28. In one example, the support table 30 supports the portion of the medium M1 that is being printed.

[0024] The device main body 26 includes a printing unit 31. The printing unit 31 is configured to print an image on the medium M1. The printing unit 31 prints the image on the medium M1 by ejecting a liquid onto the medium M1. The printing unit 31 faces the support base 30. The printing unit 31 is, for example, a head that ejects a liquid. In one example, the printing unit 31 is configured to eject ink of four colors: CMYK.

[0025] The device main body 26 includes a control unit and a storage unit. More specifically, the device main body 26 includes a print control unit 32 and a print storage unit 33. The print control unit 32 has the same configuration as the process control unit 22. The print storage unit 33 has the same configuration as the process storage unit 23. In this way, the device main body 26 includes a computer.

[0026] The print control unit 32 is configured to receive data from the processing terminal 21. The print control unit 32 is configured to receive a print job through the processing terminal 21. The print control unit 32 receives, for example, a print job including image data converted by the process control unit 22. The print control unit 32 controls the device main body 26 based on the print job. More specifically, the print control unit 32 controls the printing unit 31 based on the print job. This causes an image to be printed on the medium M1. The print control unit 32 may also control the transport unit 29, the winding shaft 28, and the like based on the print job. The print control unit 32 may also function as the process control unit 22. The print memory unit 33 stores programs related to printing. The print memory unit 33 may also store programs related to image conversion and image processing. In addition to programs, the print memory unit 33 may also store text data, image data, and the like. The print memory unit 33 may also function as the process memory unit 23.

[0027] The print control unit 32 may be configured to process the image data. The print control unit 32 may include a RIP. The print control unit 32 may be configured to rasterize the image data. The print control unit 32 may be configured to perform image conversion, image processing, and the like on the image data. The print control unit 32 may combine other data with the received image data. The print control unit 32 may combine data stored in the print storage unit 33 with image data received from the processing terminal 21. The print control unit 32 may combine text data stored in the print storage unit 33, image data stored in the print storage unit 33, and the like with the image data received from the processing terminal 21. The print control unit 32 may print on the medium M1 based on the combined image data.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the printing device 12 is configured to print images on the medium M1 in units of image frames F1. An image frame F1 represents one image to be printed based on the image data included in the print job. The printing device 12 accepts image data in units of image frames F1 and prints an image string on the medium M1 by repeatedly printing images in units of image frames F1 on the medium M1. In other words, the image string is made up of multiple image frames F1. The printing device 12 is configured to print the image frames F1 at equal intervals. However, when the printing unit 31 prints an image string on the medium M1, it is possible to print multiple image frames F1 at once.

[0029] The printing device 12 is configured to print a product image A1 on the medium M1. Specifically, the printing device 12 is configured to print an image frame F1 including the product image A1. Therefore, the printing device 12 prints the product image A1 at equal intervals.

[0030] The product image A1 is an image to be processed by the processing device 16. The product image A1 is, for example, an image including one or more product icons A2. In one example, the product image A1 is an image in which three product icons A2 are arranged across the width of the medium M1. The product image A1 may also be an image in which multiple product icons A2 are arranged in the transport direction Y1 of the medium M1. The transport direction Y1 is the direction in which the medium M1 is transported. In the printing device 12, the transport direction Y1 is the direction from the supply spindle 27 toward the take-up spindle 28.

[0031] The printing device 12 is configured to print a marker image A3 on the medium M1. Specifically, the printing device 12 is configured to print an image frame F1 including the marker image A3. Therefore, the printing device 12 prints the marker images A3 at equal intervals. The marker images A3 are images that indicate the processing timing.

[0032] The printing device 12 prints the landmark images A3 on the medium M1 to correspond to the product images A1. The printing device 12 is configured to print, for example, an image frame F1 including the product images A1 and the landmark images A3. In this case, the printing device 12 prints the same number of landmark images A3 as the product images A1. The printing device 12 prints the landmark images A3 at the same intervals as the intervals between the product images A1.

[0033] The printing device 12 is configured to print a target area E1 on the medium M1. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1 on the medium M1 by executing a print job. The target area E1 is an area that is printed based on the print job. Therefore, the target area E1 corresponds to the print job. The target area E1 is an area that is to be processed by the processing device 16.

[0034] The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the target image B1. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing one or more target images B1 based on a print job. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the number of target images B1 indicated by the print job. The target area E1 can also be said to be composed of a series of images in which image frames F1 representing the target images B1 are lined up. The target image B1 is an image that constitutes the target area E1. The multiple target images B1 may each be the same image. The target image B1 includes, for example, a product image A1 and a landmark image A3.

[0035] The printing device 12 may be configured to print a surplus area E2 on the medium M1. The printing device 12 may print the surplus area E2 on the medium M1 in conjunction with executing a print job. The printing device 12 may print the surplus area E2 on the medium M1 in conjunction with printing the target area E1 on the medium M1. The surplus area E2 is an area associated with the print job. In other words, the surplus area E2 is an area associated with the target area E1. The surplus area E2 is an area different from the target area E1. The surplus area E2 is an area that does not need to be processed by the processing device 16. The surplus area E2 is printed so as to be aligned with the target area E1 in the transport direction Y1. The surplus area E2 may be printed downstream of the target area E1, upstream of the target area E1, or both.

[0036] The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing one or more surplus images B2. The surplus area E2 can also be said to be composed of a series of images in which image frames F1 representing the surplus images B2 are lined up. The surplus images B2 are images that make up the surplus area E2. The surplus image B2 may be the same image as the target image B1, or a different image. The multiple surplus images B2 may each be the same image, or may each be different images. The surplus image B2 may, for example, be an image including the product image A1 and the landmark image A3, or may be a blank image.

[0037] The size of the image frame F1 showing the surplus image B2 matches the size of the image frame F1 showing the target image B1. Therefore, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1 and the surplus area E2 by printing multiple image frames F1.

[0038] The excess area E2 is printed to facilitate processing of the medium M1 by the processing device 16. The excess area E2 may be printed to provide an excess length in the target area E1, to communicate information to the operator of the processing device 16, or to set up the processing device 16. Information about the corresponding print job or processing may be printed in the excess area E2. That is, the excess image B2 may include information about the print job, processing, etc., in addition to images such as the product image A1 and the marker image A3.

[0039] The printing device 12 may be configured to print a lead-in area E2A on the medium M1. The printing device 12 may be configured to print a lead-out area E2B on the medium M1. The lead-in area E2A is a surplus area E2 that is printed before the target area E1. The lead-out area E2B is a surplus area E2 that is printed after the target area E1. Therefore, the lead-in area E2A is located downstream of the target area E1 in the transport direction Y1 in the printing device 12. The lead-out area E2B is located upstream of the target area E1 in the transport direction Y1 in the printing device 12.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 12 may execute multiple print jobs consecutively on the roll R1 to improve productivity. For example, the printing device 12 may execute a first print job J1 and a second print job J2 consecutively. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 12 executes the second print job J2 after executing the first print job J1. The printing device 12 may execute the second print job J2 after executing the first print job J1. The names of the first print job J1 and the second print job J2 are given merely for the purpose of distinction and are not determined by the order of execution. The first print job J1 and the second print job J2 refer to two consecutive print jobs among multiple print jobs. When executing multiple print jobs, the printing device 12 may print a table of contents of the print jobs at the leading or trailing edge of the medium M1. In this case, the operator of the processing device 16 can understand the multiple print jobs printed on the roll R1 from the table of contents.

[0041] As the printing device 12 executes multiple print jobs, a target area E1 is printed on the medium M1 for each of the multiple print jobs. In the example shown in Figure 4, a first target area E11 and a second target area E12 are printed on the medium M1. The first target area E11 is the target area E1 for the first print job J1. The second target area E12 is the target area E1 for the second print job J2.

[0042] The printing device 12 may execute multiple print jobs, so that a surplus area E2 is printed on the medium M1 for each print job. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a first surplus area E21 and a second surplus area E22 are printed on the medium M1. The first surplus area E21 is the surplus area E2 resulting from the first print job J1. The second surplus area E22 is the surplus area E2 resulting from the second print job J2. The first surplus area E21 is printed both downstream and upstream of the first target area E11, but may be printed only downstream or only upstream. The second surplus area E22 is printed both downstream and upstream of the second target area E12, but may be printed only downstream or only upstream.

[0043] The first surplus area E21 may include a first lead-in area E2A1. The first lead-in area E2A1 is a lead-in area E2A that is printed before the first target area E11. The first lead-in area E2A1 is a lead-in area E2A that accompanies the first print job J1.

[0044] The first surplus area E21 may include a first lead-out area E2B1. The first lead-out area E2B1 is a lead-out area E2B that is printed after the first target area E11. The first lead-out area E2B1 is a lead-out area E2B that accompanies the first print job J1.

[0045] The second surplus area E22 may include a second lead-in area E2A2. The second lead-in area E2A2 is a lead-in area E2A that is printed before the second target area E12. The second lead-in area E2A2 is a lead-in area E2A that accompanies the second print job J2.

[0046] The second surplus area E22 may include a second lead-out area E2B2. The second lead-out area E2B2 is a lead-out area E2B that is printed after the second target area E12. The second lead-out area E2B2 is a lead-out area E2B that accompanies the second print job J2.

[0047] As the printing device 12 executes multiple print jobs, an image frame F1 is printed on the medium M1 for each print job. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a first image frame F11 and a second image frame F12 are printed on the medium M1. The first image frame F11 is the image frame F1 produced by the first print job J1. The second image frame F12 is the image frame F1 produced by the second print job J2. The first image frame F11 constitutes a first target area E11 and a first surplus area E21. The second image frame F12 constitutes a second target area E12 and a second surplus area E22. The number of prints of the first image frame F11 is determined by the settings of the first target area E11 and the first surplus area E21. The number of prints of the second image frame F12 is determined by the settings of the second target area E12 and the second surplus area E22.

[0048] The first target area E11 is made up of the first target image B11. The first target area E11 is made up of a row of first image frames F11 each showing the first target image B11. The first target image B11 is the target image B1 from the first print job J1. The first target image B11 includes, for example, the first product image A11 and the landmark image A3. The first product image A11 is the product image A1 from the first print job J1.

[0049] The second target area E12 is made up of the second target image B12. The second target area E12 is made up of a row of second image frames F12 each showing the second target image B12. The second target image B12 is the target image B1 from the second print job J2. The second target image B12 includes, for example, the second product image A12 and the landmark image A3. The second product image A12 is the product image A1 from the second print job J2.

[0050] The first surplus area E21 is made up of the first surplus image B21. The first surplus area E21 is made up of a row of first image frames F11 each representing the first surplus image B21. The first surplus image B21 is a surplus image B2 from the first print job J1. The first surplus image B21 may include, for example, a first product image A11 and a landmark image A3.

[0051] The second surplus area E22 is composed of second surplus images B22. The second surplus area E22 is composed of a row of second image frames F12 representing the second surplus images B22. The second surplus images B22 are surplus images B2 from the second print job J2. The second surplus images B22 may include, for example, second product images A12 and marker images A3.

[0052] The size of the image frame F1 may differ for each print job. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the size of the first image frame F11 is larger than the size of the second image frame F12. Specifically, the length of the first image frame F11 is larger than the length of the second image frame F12 in the transport direction Y1. When the size of the image frame F1 differs, the spacing between the mark images A3 differs. For example, the spacing between the mark images A3 in the first image frame F11 is larger than the spacing between the mark images A3 in the second image frame F12. In multiple print jobs, the mark images A3 may be the same type of image or different types of images. The mark images A3 may be any image that can be detected by the processing device 16.

[0053] <Processing equipment> As shown in FIG. 5 , the processing device 16 may include a supply shaft 41. The supply shaft 41 is configured to unwind the medium M1. A roll R1 is attached to the supply shaft 41. Specifically, the roll R1, which is a wound stack of printed, unprocessed medium M1, is set on the supply shaft 41. When the roll R1 wound around the take-up shaft 28 is set on the supply shaft 41, the leading and trailing ends of the medium M1 are swapped in the processing device 16 and the printing device 12. Specifically, the supply shaft 41 supplies the medium M1 to the processing device 16 starting from the portion of the medium M1 that was last wound in the printing device 12. In other words, the end of the medium M1 that was the trailing end in the printing device 12 becomes the leading end in the processing device 16. The processing device 16 may be configured to directly receive the medium M1 from the printing device 12. In other words, the processing device 16 may be configured to process the medium M1 inline with the printing device 12. In this case, the leading and trailing ends of the medium M1 are not swapped in the printing device 12 and the processing device 16.

[0054] The processing device 16 includes a collection shaft 42. The collection shaft 42 is configured to take up the medium M1. By the collection shaft 42 taking up the medium M1, a roll R1 is formed on the collection shaft 42. In other words, the collection shaft 42 forms the roll R1 in which the processed medium M1 is wound up and stacked.

[0055] The processing device 16 includes a transport mechanism 43. The transport mechanism 43 is configured to transport the medium M1. The transport mechanism 43 transports the medium M1 from the supply shaft 41 toward the recovery shaft 42. The transport mechanism 43 includes, for example, one or more rollers. The transport mechanism 43 transports the medium M1 by rotating. The transport mechanism 43 transports the medium M1 intermittently.

[0056] The processing device 16 includes a processing table 44. The processing table 44 is configured to support the medium M1. The processing table 44 is located, for example, between the supply shaft 41 and the recovery shaft 42. In one example, the processing table 44 supports a portion of the medium M1 that is being processed.

[0057] The processing device 16 includes a processing section 45. The processing section 45 is configured to process the medium M1. The processing section 45 processes the medium M1 by making an incision in the medium M1. The processing section 45 faces the processing stage 44. The processing section 45 is configured to move up and down relative to the processing stage 44. The processing section 45 has a processing blade 46. The processing section 45 processes the medium M1 by pressing the processing blade 46 against the medium M1. The processing section 45 approaches the medium M1, thereby pressing the processing blade 46 against the medium M1. In this way, the processing section 45 makes an incision in the medium M1.

[0058] The processing device 16 includes a detection unit 47. The detection unit 47 is configured to detect the mark image A3. The detection unit 47 is, for example, a monochrome sensor. The detection unit 47 may be positioned at a position offset from the processing unit 45 in the conveying direction Y1. In one example, the detection unit 47 is positioned upstream of the processing unit 45 in the conveying direction Y1. The conveying direction Y1 is the direction from the supply shaft 41 toward the recovery shaft 42 in the processing device 16. The detection unit 47 may be positioned downstream of the processing unit 45 in the conveying direction Y1. The detection unit 47 does not have to be offset from the processing unit 45 in the conveying direction Y1.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the processing device 16 operates to process the medium M1 using the processing unit 45 when the detection unit 47 detects the mark image A3. The processing device 16 operates to process the medium M1 each time the detection unit 47 detects the mark image A3. Specifically, when the detection unit 47 detects the mark image A3, the processing device 16 stops the transport of the medium M1. After stopping the transport of the medium M1, the processing device 16 presses the processing blade 46 against the medium M1. The circular dot-dash lines in FIG. 6 represent the cuts made by the processing blade 46. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the processing blade 46 is a blade that makes circular cuts in the three product icons A2 that make up one product image A1. After separating the processing blade 46 from the medium M1, the processing device 16 resumes transporting the medium M1. The processing device 16 repeats the above operations to process multiple product images A1 one after another. In this way, the processing device 16 is configured to process the medium M1 for each product image A1. By replacing the processing blade 46, the processing device 16 can cut the medium M1 in other shapes, such as a triangle or a rectangle. The processing device 16 is configured to adjust the position of the processing blade 46 so that the processing blade 46 can properly process the product image A1 at the position where the detection unit 47 detects the mark image A3. Alternatively, after the detection unit 47 detects the mark image A3, the processing device 16 may transport the medium M1 a predetermined distance and then stop transporting it, allowing the processing blade 46 to properly process the product image A1.

[0060] The processing device 16 needs to process the product image A1 located in the target area E1. Therefore, if the processing unit 45 and the detection unit 47 are misaligned with each other in the conveyance direction Y1, a mark image A3 may be required in the surplus area E2. For example, the processing device 16 may process the product image A1 in the target area E1 by detecting the mark image A3 in the lead-in area E2A. The processing device 16 may also process the product image A1 in the target area E1 by detecting the mark image A3 in the lead-out area E2B.

[0061] The processing device 16 may process the surplus region E2. When the processing unit 45 and the detection unit 47 are misaligned with each other in the conveyance direction Y1, the processing device 16 may process the surplus region E2 by detecting the mark image A3 located in the target region E1. For example, the processing device 16 may process the lead-out region E2B by detecting the mark image A3 in the target region E1. The processing device 16 may also process the lead-in region E2A by detecting the mark image A3 in the target region E1. An operator of the processing device 16 may adjust the position of the processing blade 46 by checking the processing of the surplus region E2.

[0062] Depending on the procedure for printing and processing the medium M1, the positions of the lead-in area E2A and the lead-out area E2B relative to the target area E1 are interchanged. For example, when the roll body R1 wound around the winding shaft 28 is set on the supply shaft 41, the lead-in area E2A is located upstream of the target area E1 in the processing device 16. In this case, the lead-out area E2B is located downstream of the target area E1. When printing and processing are performed on the medium M1 inline, the lead-in area E2A is located downstream of the target area E1 in the processing device 16. In this case, the lead-out area E2B is located upstream of the target area E1.

[0063] The processing device 16 is configured to be able to set the detection interval for the mark image A3. The operator of the processing device 16 sets the detection interval by operating the processing device 16. The detection interval is a threshold value. The processing device 16 stops as an error if the detection unit 47 does not detect the mark image A3 even after transporting the medium M1 the distance indicated by the set detection interval. Therefore, the operator appropriately sets the detection interval for the processing device 16 based on the interval between the mark images A3 printed on the medium M1. The processing device 16 also stops when the power switch is operated, for example.

[0064] The processing device 16 may include a slicer that cuts the processed medium M1 into strips. The medium M1 cut into strips may be independently wound up by the collection shaft 42. The processing device 16 may also include a peeling mechanism that peels the label off the backing sheet. The peeling mechanism peels the label off the backing sheet so as to leave the portion surrounded by the cut made by the processing blade 46. As a result, the medium M1 is wound up with some or all of the product image A1 remaining.

[0065] The operator of the processing device 16 sets up the processing device 16 to match the print job printed on the roll R1. For example, the operator may replace the processing blade 46 to match the product image A1 or change the detection interval to match the interval between the marker images A3. Therefore, if information about printing, processing, etc. is printed on the roll R1, the effort required to set up the processing device 16 is reduced. For example, if information about printing, processing, etc. is printed in the surplus area E2, the effort required for processing is reduced.

[0066] In the processing device 16, the position of the processing blade 46 may shift as the medium M1 is processed. For example, an operator of the processing device 16 adjusts the position of the processing blade 46 each time the processing device 16 processes a certain number of product images A1. Therefore, if the processing device 16 automatically stops when the position of the processing blade 46 needs to be adjusted, the processing effort is reduced.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, multiple print jobs, i.e., multiple types of product images A1, may be printed on the roll R1. For example, a first print job J1 and a second print job J2 may be executed on the roll R1. That is, a first product image A11 and a second product image A12 may be printed on the roll R1. In this case, the processing device 16 processes the multiple types of product images A1 consecutively. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the processing device 16 processes the first product image A11 and then the second product image A12. The processing device 16 may process the second product image A12 and then the first product image A11 in that order.

[0068] In the processing device 16, processing settings may differ for each print job. For example, the processing blade 46 used for the first product image A11 may be different from the processing blade 46 used for the second product image A12. For example, the spacing between the marker images A3 in the first print job J1 may be different from the spacing between the marker images A3 in the second print job J2. Therefore, in the processing device 16, it may be necessary to replace the processing blade 46 or change the detection interval for the marker images A3 for each print job.

[0069] The operator replaces the processing blade 46 or changes the detection interval of the mark image A3 while the processing device 16 is stopped. Therefore, if the processing device 16 automatically stops when it is necessary to replace the processing blade 46 or change the detection interval, the processing effort is reduced. For example, if the processing device 16 automatically stops between print jobs, the processing effort is reduced. Specifically, if the processing device 16 stops at a timing when the processing section 45 overlaps with a surplus area E2 such as the first surplus area E21 or the second surplus area E22, the processing effort is reduced.

[0070] In the processing device 16, the processing settings may be the same for multiple print jobs. For example, the processing blade 46 used to process the first product image A11 may be the same as the processing blade 46 used to process the second product image A12. For example, the spacing between the marker images A3 in the first print job J1 may be the same as the spacing between the marker images A3 in the second print job J2. In other words, in the processing device 16, it may not be necessary to replace the processing blade 46 or change the detection interval for the marker images A3 for each print job. In such cases, if the processing device 16 operates continuously without stopping, the processing effort can be reduced.

[0071] <Terminal Device> 8, the terminal device 15 has the same hardware configuration as the processing terminal 21. The terminal device 15 includes a control unit and a storage unit. More specifically, the terminal device 15 includes a terminal control unit 51 and a terminal storage unit 52. In this way, the terminal device 15 is realized by a computer.

[0072] The terminal device 15 includes a display unit. More specifically, the terminal device 15 includes a terminal display unit 53. The terminal display unit 53 is configured to display information related to the printing system 11. The terminal display unit 53 may display, for example, a screen provided by the printing system 11.

[0073] The terminal device 15 includes an operation unit. More specifically, the terminal device 15 includes a terminal operation unit 54. A user operates the terminal operation unit 54 to operate the terminal device 15. The user issues instructions and data to the printing system 11 through the terminal operation unit 54.

[0074] The terminal device 15 is configured to send a print job to the printing system 11. The terminal device 15 is configured to send the print job to, for example, the information processing device 13. The user uploads the print job from the terminal device 15 to the information processing device 13. The user causes the information processing device 13 to store the print job.

[0075] The print job includes print image data D1. Therefore, the terminal device 15 is configured to transmit the print image data D1 to the printing system 11. The terminal device 15 is configured, for example, to transmit the print image data D1 to the information processing device 13. The print image data D1 is data representing an image to be printed on the medium M1. More specifically, the print job includes a print image file. The print image file includes the print image data D1. The print image file is, for example, a PDF (Portable Document Format) file.

[0076] 9, the print image data D1 includes one or more image frames F1. In the print image data D1, the image frame F1 represents one image to be rasterized by the printing device 12. Therefore, the printing device 12 prints an image on the medium M1 in units of image frames F1 based on the print image data D1.

[0077] The print image data D1 includes the product image A1. That is, the print image data D1 includes product image data that shows the product image A1. The product image A1 is drawn in the image frame F1.

[0078] The print image data D1 includes the landmark image A3. That is, the print image data D1 includes landmark image data indicating the landmark image A3. The landmark image A3 is drawn in the image frame F1.

[0079] The print image data D1 may include a pattern image A4. The pattern image A4 is an image showing a processing pattern for the product image A1. In one example, the pattern image A4 is an image showing the position of a cut for the product image A1. The pattern image A4 is, for example, an image showing a frame line. The print image data D1 may include pattern image data showing the pattern image A4. The pattern image A4 is drawn in the image frame F1.

[0080] The print image data D1 may be generated by the terminal device 15. The print image data D1 may be generated in the terminal device 15 by, for example, image editing software for editing images or upload software for sending a print job to the information processing device 13. The product image A1 may be created by arranging product icons A2, or so-called imposition, by software in the terminal device 15. The print image data D1 may be generated by arranging the product image A1, the mark image A3, and the pattern image A4 by software in the terminal device 15.

[0081] The print image data D1 may include multiple identifiers associated with multiple images. The print image data D1 may include an identifier attached to an image to be rendered in the image frame F1. The print image data D1 may also include data from which an image can be extracted based on the identifier. That is, the print image data D1 may include data that allows the product image A1, the landmark image A3, and the pattern image A4 to be handled independently. This increases the flexibility of image processing in the printing device 12. That is, the printing device 12 can obtain various image data from the print image data D1. For example, the printing device 12 can obtain image data that includes the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 can obtain image data that does not include the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 can print an image that includes the landmark image A3, an image that does not include the landmark image A3, and so on, for each image frame F1. The printing device 12 can also obtain image data that includes the product image A1, image data that does not include the product image A1, image data that includes the pattern image A4, image data that does not include the pattern image A4, and so on.

[0082] The print image data D1 may be data that allows the product image A1, landmark image A3, and pattern image A4 to be handled independently by objects. In this case, the objects function as identifiers. The product image A1, landmark image A3, and pattern image A4 are each rendered by an object. For example, the product image A1 is rendered by multiple objects representing the product icon A2. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the product icon A2 is rendered by a background object and a star object. The landmark image A3 is rendered by a landmark object. The pattern image A4 is rendered by a frame object. Therefore, the printing device 12 can extract the product image A1, the landmark image A3, or the pattern image A4 from the print image data D1 based on the objects. In this way, images can be handled independently on an object-by-object basis in the print image data D1.

[0083] The object is associated with a color. For example, the object is associated with a process color. In one example, the object is associated with a color that can be expressed in CMYK. The object is printed in the associated process color.

[0084] A spot color may be set in the print image data D1. A spot color may be associated with an object. For example, a spot color may be associated with a mark object that constitutes the mark image A3. A spot color may be associated with a frame object that constitutes the pattern image A4. That is, the mark image A3 may be an image drawn in a spot color. The pattern image A4 may be an image drawn in a spot color. Different spot colors may be associated with the pattern image A4 and the mark image A3. The spot color may be set in the print image data D1 as a color that cannot be expressed in CMYK, or as a color that can be expressed in CMYK but is not used in the product image A1.

[0085] The printing device 12 can identify the landmark objects that make up the landmark image A3 and the frame objects that make up the pattern image A4 in the print image data D1 based on the spot colors. This is because the printing device 12 rasterizes the images associated with the spot colors separately from the images associated with the process colors in the print image data D1. Therefore, in such print image data D1, images rendered in process colors and images rendered in spot colors can be handled independently. Therefore, the printing device 12 can extract the landmark image A3 or the pattern image A4 based on the spot colors. For example, the printing device 12 can obtain image data that includes the landmark image A3, image data that does not include the landmark image A3, image data that includes the pattern image A4, image data that does not include the pattern image A4, etc.

[0086] The spot colors may be converted into print colors in the printing device 12. The print colors are colors that the printing device 12 can print. The printing device 12 may convert the spot colors into process colors, for example, based on conversion information that indicates the print colors associated with the spot colors. In this case, the printing device 12 can print objects drawn in spot colors. The printing device 12 can print images including the landmark image A3, the pattern image A4, etc., in units of image frame F1.

[0087] In the print image data D1, names may be set for the spot colors. For example, a name indicating that the spot color associated with a landmark object is the color used to draw the landmark image A3 may be set for the spot color associated with a frame object. A name indicating that the spot color is the color used to draw the pattern image A4 may be set for the spot color associated with a frame object. The printing device 12 may identify the landmark object that constitutes the landmark image A3, the frame object that constitutes the pattern image A4, etc., based on the character string included in the name set for the spot color.

[0088] The print image data D1 may be data rendered using multiple layers. For example, the product image A1 and the landmark image A3 may each be images rendered on different layers. In one example, the print image data D1 includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer is the layer on which the product image A1 is rendered. The second layer is the layer on which the landmark image A3 is rendered. The third layer is the layer on which the pattern image A4 is rendered. In such print image data D1, the product image A1, the landmark image A3, and the pattern image A4 can each be handled independently by their respective layers.

[0089] Names may be assigned to layers in the print image data D1. More specifically, names indicating the images to be drawn may be assigned to layers. For example, a name indicating that the product image A1 is the layer on which the product image A1 is drawn may be assigned to the first layer. A name indicating that the mark image A3 is the layer on which the mark image A3 is drawn may be assigned to the second layer. A name indicating that the pattern image A4 is the layer on which the pattern image A4 is drawn may be assigned to the third layer. The printing device 12 may identify the layer on which the pattern image A4 is drawn, the layer on which the mark image A3 is drawn, etc., based on the character string included in the names assigned to the layers.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 10 , the print image data D1 may include multiple image frames F1. Specifically, the print image data D1 may include multiple image frames F1 with different combinations of product image A1, landmark image A3, and pattern image A4. The print image data D1 may include multiple image frames F1 showing the differences between the combinations of product image A1, landmark image A3, and pattern image A4. The print image data D1 may include, for example, an image frame F1 showing an image including product image A1 and an image frame F1 showing an image not including product image A1. The print image data D1 may include, for example, an image frame F1 showing an image including landmark image A3 and an image frame F1 showing an image not including landmark image A3. The print image data D1 may include, for example, an image frame F1 showing an image including pattern image A4 and an image frame F1 showing an image not including pattern image A4. In other words, the print image data D1 may include product-present image data showing a product-present image C1 including product image A1. The print image data D1 may include no-product image data indicating a no-product image C2 that does not include the product image A1. The print image data D1 may include marker-included image data indicating a marker-included image C3 that includes the marker image A3. The print image data D1 may include marker-free image data indicating a marker-free image C4 that does not include the marker image A3. The print image data D1 may include pattern-included image data indicating a pattern-included image C5 that includes the pattern image A4. The print image data D1 may include pattern-free image data indicating a pattern-free image C6 that does not include the pattern image A4.

[0091] The print image data D1 may include an identifier indicating the type of image included in each of the multiple image frames F1. The printing device 12 can acquire various image data from the print image data D1 based on the identifier. The printing device 12 can acquire product-present image data, product-absent image data, marker-present image data, marker-absent image data, pattern-present image data, and pattern-absent image data, etc., based on the identifier. Therefore, the printing device 12 can print product-present image C1, product-absent image C2, marker-present image C3, marker-absent image C4, pattern-present image C5, and pattern-absent image C6, etc., for each image frame F1. Similarly, for the print image data D1 shown in FIG. 9, the printing device 12 can print product-present image C1, product-absent image C2, marker-present image C3, marker-absent image C4, pattern-present image C5, and pattern-absent image C6, etc., for each image frame F1.

[0092] The print image data D1 includes target image data and surplus image data. The target image data is an image representing the target image B1. The target image data is image data used in the target area E1 from the image data obtained from the print image data D1. The target image B1 is an image used in the target area E1 from the product-present image C1, the product-absent image C2, the marker-present image C3, the marker-absent image C4, the pattern-present image C5, the pattern-absent image C6, etc. The surplus image data is an image representing the surplus image B2. The surplus image data is image data used in the surplus area E2 from the image data obtained from the print image data D1. The surplus image B2 is an image used in the surplus area E2 from the product-present image C1, the product-absent image C2, the marker-present image C3, the marker-absent image C4, the pattern-present image C5, the pattern-absent image C6, etc.

[0093] The target image B1 and the surplus image B2 are the same size. The image frame F1 showing the target image B1 and the image frame F1 showing the surplus image B2 are the same size. The size of the image frame F1 depends on the print image data D1. All images shown by the image data obtained from the print image data D1 are the same size. The image with product C1, image without product C2, image with marker C3, image without marker C4, image with pattern C5, image without pattern C6, etc. are all the same size.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8, the terminal device 15 is configured to send job data D2 to the printing system 11. The terminal device 15 is configured, for example, to send the job data D2 to the information processing device 13. The job data D2 is data related to printing. The job data D2 includes data related to printing, processing, etc. The job data D2 is included in a print job. More specifically, the print job includes a job ticket. The job ticket includes the job data D2. The job ticket is, for example, a JDF (Job Definition Format) file. The printing device 12 prints an image indicated by the print image data D1 on the medium M1 based on the job data D2.

[0095] The job data D2 may be generated by the terminal device 15. For example, a job ticket may be generated by JDF creation software in the terminal device 15. The terminal device 15 may generate a job ticket using the JDF creation software based on information provided by the user.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 11, the job data D2 includes information related to printing and processing. The job data D2 may include information specifying the processing device 16 that will process the printed medium M1. The job data D2 may also include information specifying the processing blade 46 that will process the printed medium M1. In one example, the job data D2 includes information such as the print job ID, the image file name to be used, the number of prints to be delivered, the processing device 16 to be used, the processing blade 46 to be used, and the delivery date. The job data D2 may also include an omission instruction to omit the marker image A3, conversion information that indicates the print color to be associated with the spot color, and the like. The job data D2 may also include arguments such as Value1 and Value2.

[0097] 8, the terminal device 15 may be configured to transmit the surplus data D3 to the printing system 11. The terminal device 15 may be configured to transmit the surplus data D3 to, for example, the information processing device 13. The user may upload the surplus data D3 from the terminal device 15 to the information processing device 13. The user causes the information processing device 13 to store the surplus data D3.

[0098] The surplus data D3 is data related to the surplus area E2. The surplus data D3 includes, for example, data related to the layout of the surplus area E2. The surplus data D3 is, for example, data included in a layout file. The layout file is a file in which the settings of the surplus area E2 are described. In one example, the user transmits the layout file from the terminal device 15 to the information processing device 13. The user causes the information processing device 13 to store the layout file.

[0099] 12, the surplus data D3 includes various information. The surplus data D3 may include information regarding the length of the surplus area E2. The surplus data D3 may include, for example, a designated value that specifies the length of the surplus area E2. In one example, the designated value is a value that specifies the number of surplus images B2.

[0100] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the specified value is the information on the first line. The specified value indicates that a space of 7 columns and 2 rows will be provided in the surplus area E2. In other words, the specified value specifies the number of surplus images B2 as 7. In this case, the specified value indicates that the surplus area E2 is composed of seven image frames F1. The specified value may also indicate that a space will be provided within the image frame F1. In one example, the specified value indicates that a space of 2 rows will be provided within the image frame F1. The specified value is not limited to specifying the length of the surplus area E2 by the number of surplus images B2, and may also specify the length of the surplus area E2 by the distance of the surplus area E2. The specified value may, for example, specify the length of the surplus area E2 in meters.

[0101] The surplus data D3 may include information to be written in the surplus area E2. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the information on the second to fifth lines indicates the location of a space and the information to be written in that space. For example, the information on the second line indicates that the text "Slip Number" and the value of Value1 written in the JDF file are to be written in the space on the first column and first line. The information on the third line indicates that the value of Value1 written in the JDF file is to be written as a two-dimensional code in the space on the first column and second line. The information on the fourth line indicates that the text "Blade Shape" and the value of Value2 written in the JDF file are to be written in the space on the second column and first line. The information on the fifth line indicates that the text "Area End" is to be written in the space from the last column to the first column and first line.

[0102] According to the surplus data D3 shown in FIG. 12, a surplus area E2 as shown in FIG. 13 is printed. The printing device 12 combines the print image data D1 with the surplus data D3 to print the information contained in the surplus data D3 in the surplus area E2. That is, the printing device 12 combines the print image data D1 with the surplus data D3 to print a surplus image B2 containing the information contained in the surplus data D3. The printing device 12 prints information contained in the surplus data D3, including but not limited to the product image A1, mark image A3, and pattern image A4, in the surplus area E2. A box indicating a space may or may not be printed in the surplus area E2. Whether or not to print a box indicating a space may be determined by the surplus data D3.

[0103] 12, the surplus data D3 is not limited to information printed in the surplus area E2, but may also include information that is not printed in the surplus area E2. The surplus data D3 may also include an omission instruction to omit the mark image A3, conversion information indicating a print color associated with a spot color, etc.

[0104] The surplus data D3 may include information on multiple patterns regarding the layout of the surplus area E2. The surplus data D3 may include, for example, a first pattern P1 and a second pattern P2. Based on the surplus data D3, the printing device 12 may print the surplus area E2 in the layout indicated by the first pattern P1, or may print the surplus area E2 in the layout indicated by the second pattern P2.

[0105] The first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 each indicate a specified value. The first pattern P1 indicates a first specified value. The second pattern P2 indicates a second specified value. The first specified value and the second specified value indicate, for example, different values ​​from each other. In one example, the second specified value is smaller than the first specified value. The second specified value is preferably 0. When the specified value is 0, no surplus area E2 is formed. In the example shown in FIG. 12, as described above, the first specified value indicates 7 and the second specified value indicates 0. In this case, the first pattern P1 indicates that the surplus area E2 is formed from seven surplus images B2. The second pattern P2 indicates that the surplus area E2 is formed from zero surplus images B2. The first specified value and the second specified value may specify the length of the surplus area E2 as a distance.

[0106] <Information processing device> As shown in Fig. 8, the information processing device 13 includes a control unit and a storage unit. More specifically, the information processing device 13 includes an information control unit 61 and an information storage unit 62. In this manner, the information processing device 13 is realized by a computer. The information processing device 13 is made up of one or more servers. The information processing device 13 may be realized by one server, or may be realized by multiple servers working together.

[0107] The information processing device 13 is configured to process information related to the printing device 12. The information processing device 13 receives information from the terminal device 15 and transmits information to the printing device 12. The information control unit 61 is configured to receive information from the terminal device 15. The information control unit 61 is configured to transmit information to the printing device 12.

[0108] The information processing device 13 is configured to accept a print job. The information processing device 13 is configured to accept a print image file and a job ticket from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 is configured to accept print image data D1. The information processing device 13 is configured to accept job data D2.

[0109] The information processing device 13 is configured to store print jobs. The information processing device 13 stores print jobs received from the terminal device 15. That is, the information processing device 13 saves the print jobs. The information processing device 13 accumulates multiple print jobs by saving the print jobs one after another. Therefore, the information storage unit 62 stores multiple print jobs.

[0110] The information processing device 13 may be configured to receive surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 may receive a layout file from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 may be configured to store the layout file. That is, the information processing device 13 may save the layout file. The information processing device 13 may accumulate multiple layout files by saving the layout files one after another. Therefore, the information storage unit 62 stores multiple layout files. The information processing device 13 is not limited to receiving the surplus data D3 from the terminal device 15, but may also store the surplus data D3 in advance or generate the surplus data D3.

[0111] The information processing device 13 is configured to receive a request from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 is configured to receive, for example, a request to view a print job from the terminal device 15. In one example, the information processing device 13 receives the request to view a print job from a browser on the terminal device 15. The terminal device 15 that sends the view request may be the same terminal as the terminal device 15 that uploaded the print job, or may be a different terminal. The information processing device 13 is configured to respond to requests from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 transmits information about a print job related to a user to the terminal device 15 based on user authentication using, for example, an ID and a password.

[0112] The information processing device 13 is configured to receive instructions from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 operates based on the instructions received from the terminal device 15. The user issues an instruction to the information processing device 13, causing the information processing device 13 to transmit data to the printing device 12.

[0113] The information processing device 13 is configured to receive a transmission instruction. Upon receiving the transmission instruction, the information processing device 13 transmits print data D4 to the printing device 12. The transmission instruction is an instruction from the information processing device 13 to cause the printing device 12 to transmit the print data D4. The print data D4 is data that causes the printing device 12 to execute printing.

[0114] The information processing device 13 is configured to receive a target print instruction. The target print instruction is an instruction to cause the printing device 12 to print the target area E1. The target print instruction is an instruction that includes settings for the target area E1. The target area E1 is set by the print job. That is, the settings for the target area E1 are included in the print job. More specifically, the settings for the target area E1 are included in the job data D2.

[0115] The target print instruction includes an instruction indicating a print job to be sent from information processing device 13 to printing device 12. The target print instruction includes, for example, an instruction indicating one or more print jobs selected from a plurality of print jobs stored in information processing device 13. Information processing device 13 accepts the target print instruction by accepting the selection of one or more print jobs from the plurality of print jobs.

[0116] The information processing device 13 may be configured to receive a surplus printing instruction. The surplus printing instruction is an instruction to cause the printing device 12 to print the surplus area E2. The surplus printing instruction is an instruction that includes the setting of the surplus area E2. The surplus area E2 is set by the surplus data D3. In other words, the setting of the surplus area E2 is included in the surplus data D3.

[0117] The surplus printing instruction includes an instruction indicating surplus data D3 to be transmitted from the information processing device 13 to the printing device 12. The surplus printing instruction includes, for example, an instruction indicating one or more layout files to be selected from a plurality of layout files stored in the information processing device 13. The information processing device 13 accepts the surplus printing instruction by accepting the selection of one or more layout files from the plurality of layout files.

[0118] The surplus printing instruction is not limited to selection of a layout file, and may include an instruction to have the information processing device 13 generate surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 based on the setting of the surplus area E2 included in the surplus printing instruction. The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 including the surplus printing instruction. The information processing device 13 may accept the surplus printing instruction by accepting an instruction to generate surplus data D3.

[0119] The information processing device 13 may be configured to receive an omission instruction. The omission instruction is an instruction to cause the printing device 12 to omit the landmark image A3. The omission instruction includes an instruction indicating the omission position of the landmark image A3. The omission instruction may be included, for example, in a target print instruction. The omission instruction may be included in a print job. The omission instruction may be included in job data D2. The omission instruction may be included, for example, in a surplus print instruction. The omission instruction may be included in a layout file. The omission instruction may be included in surplus data D3.

[0120] The omission instruction may include an instruction to indicate an image frame F1 from which the landmark image A3 is to be omitted among the multiple image frames F1 constituting the image sequence. The omission instruction may include an instruction to indicate an image frame F1 from which the landmark image A3 is to be omitted among the multiple image frames F1 constituting the target region E1. The omission instruction may include an instruction to indicate an image frame F1 from which the landmark image A3 is to be omitted among the multiple image frames F1 constituting the surplus region E2.

[0121] The omission instruction may include an instruction to provide an area in an image sequence consisting of multiple image frames F1 where image frames F1 are not printed. The omission instruction may include an instruction to provide an area in the target area E1 where image frames F1 are not printed. The omission instruction may include an instruction to provide an area in the surplus area E2 where image frames F1 are not printed. The omission instruction may include an instruction to provide an area between the target area E1 and the surplus area E2 where no printing is done.

[0122] The information processing device 13 may accept an omission instruction by accepting a selection of a print job. The information processing device 13 may accept an omission instruction by accepting a selection of a layout file. The information processing device 13 may accept an omission instruction by accepting an instruction to generate surplus data D3.

[0123] The print data D4 includes a print job. The print data D4 includes print image data D1 and job data D2. The print data D4 includes one or more print jobs selected from a plurality of print jobs stored in the information processing device 13. In other words, the information processing device 13, upon receiving an instruction from the user, transmits the print data D4 including one or more print jobs of the plurality of print jobs to the printing device 12.

[0124] The print data D4 may include surplus data D3. The print data D4 may include, for example, one or more layout files selected from a plurality of layout files stored in the information processing device 13. That is, the information processing device 13 may receive an instruction from a user and send print data D4 including one or more layout files from a plurality of layout files to the printing device 12. The print data D4 is not limited to a layout file, and may also include surplus data D3 generated by the information processing device 13. The print data D4 may include surplus data D3 based on a surplus printing instruction.

[0125] The print data D4 may include omission data. The omission data is data based on an omission instruction. The omission data may be included in the job data D2 or in the surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 may generate the omission data based on the omission instruction. The information processing device 13 may transmit the omission data to the printing device 12 together with the print job.

[0126] 14, the information processing device 13 is configured to display a list screen 63 on the terminal device 15. Upon receiving a viewing request, the information processing device 13 displays the list screen 63 on the terminal device 15. The list screen 63 has a list field 64. The list field 64 displays a list of print jobs stored in the information processing device 13. The print jobs may be displayed in the list field 64 so that the contents of the job data D2 included in the print jobs can be confirmed.

[0127] The list screen 63 is configured so that one or more print jobs can be selected from a plurality of print jobs displayed in a list field 64. For example, a print job is selected by selecting a check box displayed for each print job.

[0128] The information processing device 13 may be configured to accept edits to the print job. Specifically, the information processing device 13 may accept edits to the job data D2. The information processing device 13 may accept edits to the print job selected in a list field 64, for example. One or more selection fields 65 may be displayed on the list screen 63. The selection field 65 displays, for example, a list of items that the user can select. The user may edit the print job by operating the selection field 65.

[0129] A transition button 66 is displayed on the list screen 63. The transition button 66 is a button for transitioning between screens. When the transition button 66 is operated with a print job selected on the list screen 63, the information processing device 13 transitions the display of the terminal device 15 from the list screen 63 to another screen.

[0130] 15, the information processing device 13 displays a job setting screen 67 on the terminal device 15. When the transition button 66 is operated with a print job selected on the list screen 63, the information processing device 13 displays the job setting screen 67 on the terminal device 15. The job setting screen 67 is a screen for setting a destination for the print job. The job setting screen 67 is a screen for allocating print jobs to the printing devices 12.

[0131] A device list field 68 is displayed on the job setting screen 67. The device list field 68 displays one or more printing devices 12 to which the information processing device 13 can send a print job. The user selects one printing device 12 to be the destination from the device list field 68. The information processing device 13 accepts one printing device 12 selected from the multiple printing devices 12 via the job setting screen 67. The information processing device 13 accepts one printing device 12 selected from the multiple printing devices 12 as the destination of the print job.

[0132] A job list field 69 is displayed on the job setting screen 67. One or more print jobs selected on the list screen 63 are displayed in the job list field 69. The user selects one or more print jobs to be executed in a batch from the job list field 69. The information processing device 13 accepts one or more print jobs selected from the multiple print jobs via the job setting screen 67.

[0133] A transition button 66 is displayed on the job setting screen 67. When the transition button 66 is operated with both the device list field 68 and the job list field 69 selected, the information processing device 13 transitions the display of the terminal device 15 from the job setting screen 67 to another screen. In one example, the information processing device 13 accepts an operation of the transition button 66 on the job setting screen 67, thereby accepting a target print instruction.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 16, the information processing device 13 displays a surplus setting screen 70 on the terminal device 15. When the transition button 66 is operated on the job setting screen 67, the information processing device 13 displays the surplus setting screen 70 on the terminal device 15. The surplus setting screen 70 is a screen for setting a surplus area E2 for a print job. The surplus setting screen 70 is a screen for attaching a surplus area E2 to a print job. The surplus setting screen 70 is a screen for associating surplus data D3 with a print job. The surplus setting screen 70 is a screen for associating a layout file with a print job. The surplus setting screen 70 is a screen for setting a surplus area E2 for a target area E1 by a print job. The setting of the surplus area E2 accepted on the surplus setting screen 70 is applied to all print jobs accepted on the job setting screen 67.

[0135] The surplus setting screen 70 displays one or more setting fields. In one example, the surplus setting screen 70 displays a lead-in setting field 71 and a lead-out setting field 72. The lead-in setting field 71 is a field for setting the lead-in area E2A. The lead-out setting field 72 is a field for setting the lead-out area E2B. The setting fields display one or more layout files stored in the information processing device 13. The user selects a layout file to apply from the setting fields. The selected layout file is applied to all print jobs accepted on the job setting screen 67. The surplus setting screen 70 may be configured to accept a layout file for each print job. The surplus setting screen 70 may be configured to accept settings for the surplus area E2 individually for each print job.

[0136] A layout file may be automatically selected on the surplus setting screen 70. The layout file may be associated with one of the multiple processing devices 16. The information processing device 13 may select a layout file based on a print job. The information processing device 13, for example, identifies the processing device 16 specified by the selected print job. That is, the information processing device 13 identifies information specifying the processing device 16 that will process the medium M1 from the print job. The information processing device 13 may select one layout file from multiple layout files so that the processing device 16 specified by the print job matches the processing device 16 associated with the layout file. The information processing device 13 may select one layout file from multiple layout files for the lead-in setting field 71. The information processing device 13 may select one layout file from multiple layout files for the lead-out setting field 72.

[0137] The layout file may be associated with the lead-in area E2A or the lead-out area E2B. The layout file associated with the lead-in area E2A may be selectable in the lead-in settings field 71. The layout file associated with the lead-out area E2B may be selectable in the lead-out settings field 72.

[0138] The information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 based on the length of the surplus area E2 specified by the selected layout file. The information processing device 13 may calculate the number of surplus images B2 so that the surplus area E2 is printed at the length specified by the layout file. For example, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 constituting the surplus area E2 by dividing the length of the surplus area E2 specified by the layout file by the length of the image frame F1. For example, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 constituting the surplus area E2 by adding 1 to the quotient obtained by dividing the length of the surplus area E2 specified by the layout file by the length of the image frame F1. In this case, the surplus area E2 is printed at a length equal to or greater than the length specified by the layout file. The information processing device 13 calculates the quotient by dividing the length specified by the layout file based on the image frame F1 indicated by the print image data D1 included in the print job selected on the job setting screen 67.

[0139] The surplus setting screen 70 is not limited to a configuration that accepts the selection of a layout file, and may be configured to directly accept settings for the surplus area E2. The surplus setting screen 70 may be configured to allow direct input of settings for the surplus area E2. The surplus setting screen 70 may display an input field for accepting the length of the surplus area E2. The surplus setting screen 70 may display, for example, a lead-in input field 73 and a lead-out input field 74. The lead-in input field 73 accepts the length of the lead-in area E2A. The lead-out input field 74 accepts the length of the lead-out area E2B. The lead-in input field 73 is a field for accepting the length of the lead-in area E2A. The lead-out input field 74 is a field for accepting the length of the lead-out area E2B. The input fields are not limited to the length of the surplus area E2, and may accept the number of surplus images B2 that make up the surplus area E2. The surplus setting screen 70 may be configured to allow input of the content to be printed as the surplus area E2, and are not limited to the length of the surplus area E2.

[0140] The information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 to be printed in the surplus area E2 based on the length entered in the input field. The information processing device 13 may calculate the number of surplus images B2 so that the surplus area E2 is printed at the length entered in the input field. For example, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 constituting the surplus area E2 as the quotient obtained by dividing the length entered in the input field by the length of the image frame F1. For example, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 constituting the surplus area E2 by adding 1 to the quotient obtained by dividing the length entered in the input field by the length of the image frame F1. In this case, the surplus area E2 is printed to a length equal to or greater than the length entered in the input field. The information processing device 13 calculates the quotient by dividing the length entered in the input field based on the image frame F1 indicated by the print image data D1 included in the print job selected on the job setting screen 67.

[0141] The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 indicating the determined number of surplus images B2. The information processing device 13 may not necessarily determine the number of surplus areas E2, but the printing device 12 may determine the number of surplus images B2 based on the print data D4. In this case, the information processing device 13 generates surplus data D3 including the length entered in the input field, the contents of the selected layout file, etc.

[0142] The surplus setting screen 70 displays a print order display field 75. The print order display field 75 displays one or more selected print jobs. The print order display field 75 indicates the print order of the print jobs. The surplus setting screen 70 may be configured to accept changes to the print order in the print order display field 75.

[0143] The surplus setting screen 70 may display the length of the medium M1 consumed by printing based on the selected print job and the settings of the surplus area E2, allowing the user to determine whether one or more print jobs to be executed simultaneously will fit on the roll R1.

[0144] A start button 76 is displayed on the surplus setting screen 70. When the start button 76 is operated while the surplus area E2 is being set, the surplus setting screen 70 closes. The information processing device 13 accepts the surplus print instruction by accepting the operation of the start button 76. In one example, the information processing device 13 accepts the surplus print instruction after accepting the target print instruction.

[0145] The information processing device 13 receives a transmission instruction by accepting operation of the start button 76. In response to this, the information processing device 13 generates print data D4. Specifically, the information processing device 13 generates print data D4 based on information accepted on the job setting screen 67, surplus setting screen 70, etc. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 by selecting a print job, selecting a layout file, generating surplus data D3, and generating omitted data. The information processing device 13 transmits the print data D4 to the destination printing device 12.

[0146] As described above, such a printing system 11 allows the user to make various settings for the target area E1 and the surplus area E2. This allows the user to obtain the desired medium M1. For example, the user can obtain a medium M1 on which the surplus area E2 is printed with a length that fits the processing device 16. The user can obtain a medium M1 on which the processing device 16 does not stop in the surplus area E2. The user can obtain a medium M1 on which the position of the processing blade 46 can be adjusted in the surplus area E2. The user can obtain a medium M1 on which the processing device 16 can automatically stop at any position.

[0147] Next, the processing of the printing system 11 will be described based on a first, second, third, and fourth examples. The first example is an example in which the number of surplus images B2 that make up the surplus area E2 is specified. The second example is an example in which a mark image A3 is printed in the surplus area E2. The third example is an example in which a pattern image A4 is printed in the surplus area E2. The fourth example is an example in which the mark image A3 is omitted.

[0148] <First Example> First, the first embodiment will be described. In the processing device 16, a surplus area E2 may be required for the medium M1. The surplus area E2 is utilized in the processing device 16 for adjusting the processing blade 46 and setting the medium M1 in the processing device 16. For example, when the roll R1 is set in the processing device 16, the leading end of the medium M1 is attached to the supply shaft 41 with the leading end of the medium M1 attached to the recovery shaft 42. In this case, the processing device 16 cannot process the portion of the medium M1 from the processing blade 46 to the recovery shaft 42. Also, in the processing device 16, the detection position of the mark image A3 by the detection unit 47 may be misaligned with the processing position of the product image A1 by the processing blade 46. In such a case, the processing device 16 may be unable to process the portion of the medium M1 located between the detection unit 47 and the processing blade 46. As such, in the processing device 16, portions of the medium M1 may not be processed.

[0149] Specifying the number of target images B1 that make up the target area E1 while taking into account the portions that will not be processed is cumbersome for the user. Therefore, if the number of surplus images B2 that make up the surplus area E2 can be specified, the processing effort can be reduced. For example, if the length of the surplus area E2 can be set based on the distance from the processing blade 46 to the collection shaft 42, the processing effort can be reduced. If the length of the surplus area E2 can be set based on the distance from the detection unit 47 to the processing blade 46, the processing effort can be reduced. In the first embodiment, the printing system 11 prints the target area E1 and the surplus area E2 by separately accepting the number of target images B1 and the number of surplus images B2. Note that in the first embodiment, the processing device 16 may be configured to repeat conveying and processing at a predetermined cycle without detecting the mark image A3.

[0150] 17, the information processing device 13 is configured to execute a transmission process. The transmission process is realized by the information control unit 61 executing a program stored in the information storage unit 62. The transmission process is a process of transmitting print data D4 to the printing device 12. The transmission process is started, for example, when the information processing device 13 causes the terminal device 15 to display a job setting screen 67.

[0151] In step S11, the information processing device 13 accepts a target print instruction. More specifically, the information processing device 13 accepts the target print instruction by accepting a print job. The information processing device 13 accepts one or more print jobs selected from a plurality of print jobs stored in the information storage unit 62. The information processing device 13 accepts a print job selected on the job setting screen 67. As a result, the information processing device 13 accepts the target print instruction.

[0152] In step S11, the information processing device 13 may accept two or more print jobs selected from the multiple print jobs stored in the information storage unit 62. The information processing device 13 may accept one printing device 12 selected from the multiple printing devices 12 as the destination of the two or more print jobs. The information processing device 13 may accept a target print instruction by accepting two or more print jobs and one printing device 12.

[0153] In step S12, the information processing device 13 accepts a surplus printing instruction. In one example, the information processing device 13 accepts the surplus printing instruction after accepting the target printing instruction. The surplus printing instruction includes information specifying the length of the surplus area E2. The surplus printing instruction includes information specifying the lengths of the lead-in area E2A, lead-out area E2B, etc. The information processing device 13 accepts the surplus printing instruction, for example, by accepting a layout file. The information processing device 13 accepts one or more layout files selected from multiple layout files stored in the information storage unit 62. The information processing device 13 accepts the layout file selected in the lead-in setting field 71, the layout file selected in the lead-out setting field 72, or both. In this way, the information processing device 13 accepts the surplus printing instruction.

[0154] The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus print instruction by directly receiving a layout file from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus print instruction not only by receiving a layout file but also by directly receiving settings related to the surplus area E2 through the surplus setting screen 70. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus print instruction by receiving, for example, a length input in the lead-in input field 73, the lead-out input field 74, or the like. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus print instruction by receiving the number of surplus images B2 that constitute the surplus area E2. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus print instruction by receiving the number of surplus images B2 that constitute the lead-in area E2A, the number of surplus images B2 that constitute the lead-out area E2B, or the like.

[0155] The information processing device 13 may automatically select a layout file based on a print job. Specifically, the information processing device 13 may select a layout file so that the processing device 16 specified by the print job matches the processing device 16 associated with the layout file. When accepting multiple print jobs, the information processing device 13 may select a layout file so that it matches the processing device 16 if the multiple print jobs specify a common processing device 16. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus printing instruction in conjunction with automatically selecting a layout file.

[0156] In step S13, the information processing device 13 generates surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 generates surplus data D3 based on the surplus print instruction. The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 including the received layout file. The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 including parameters representing settings related to the surplus area E2 received through the surplus setting screen 70. The surplus data D3 includes information regarding the length of the surplus area E2. The surplus data D3 may include information regarding the length of the lead-in area E2A and the length of the lead-out area E2B. The surplus data D3 may include information regarding the number of surplus images B2 constituting the lead-in area E2A and the number of surplus images B2 constituting the lead-out area E2B.

[0157] In step S13, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 that will constitute the surplus area E2 based on the surplus print instruction. Specifically, the information processing device 13 determines the number of surplus images B2 that will constitute the surplus area E2 based on the length of the surplus area E2 included in the surplus print instruction and the print job. The information processing device 13 determines the number of surplus images B2 that will constitute the lead-in area E2A based on the length of the lead-in area E2A included in the surplus print instruction and the print job. The information processing device 13 determines the number of surplus images B2 that will constitute the lead-out area E2B based on the length of the lead-out area E2B included in the surplus print instruction and the print job. The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 that includes information about the determined number of surplus images B2. Note that, when the information processing device 13 receives multiple print jobs, it determines the number of surplus images B2 that will constitute the surplus area E2 for each print job.

[0158] In step S14, the information processing device 13 generates print data D4. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the print job accepted in step S11. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the surplus data D3 generated in step S13.

[0159] In step S15, the information processing device 13 transmits the print data D4 to the printing device 12. More specifically, the information processing device 13 transmits the surplus data D3 and the print job to the printing device 12. The information processing device 13 may transmit one print job and the surplus data D3, or may transmit two or more print jobs and the surplus data D3. After completing the processing of step S15, the information processing device 13 ends the transmission process.

[0160] 18, the printing device 12 is configured to execute a printing process. The printing process is realized by the processing control unit 22, the printing control unit 32, and the like executing programs stored in the processing storage unit 23, the printing storage unit 33, and the like. The printing process is a process of printing an image on a medium M1 based on print data D4. The printing process is initiated when the printing device 12 receives the print data D4.

[0161] In step S21, the printing device 12 accepts the print data D4. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts the print job included in the print data D4. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts the surplus data D3 included in the print data D4.

[0162] In step S22, the printing device 12 acquires target image data representing a target image B1 including a product image A1 from the print image data D1. In one example, the printing device 12 acquires target image data representing a target image B1 including a product image A1 and a landmark image A3. The target image B1 is not limited to the product image A1 and the landmark image A3, and may include other images.

[0163] In step S22, the printing device 12 may acquire target image data from the print image data D1 based on identifiers such as spot colors and layers. The printing device 12 may acquire the target image data by extracting an image frame F1 showing the target image B1 from multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the target image data. The printing device 12 may combine data stored in itself with the target image data.

[0164] In step S23, the printing device 12 acquires excess image data representing excess image B2 that does not include product image A1 from the print image data D1. In one example, the printing device 12 acquires excess image data representing excess image B2 that does not include product image A1 and includes landmark image A3 from the print image data D1. The excess image B2 is not limited to landmark image A3 and may include other images.

[0165] In step S23, the printing device 12 acquires surplus image data from the print image data D1 so that the size of the surplus image B2 matches the size of the first target image B11. The printing device 12 acquires target image data representing the target image B1 and surplus image data representing the surplus image B2 based on the image frame F1. Therefore, the size of the surplus image B2 matches the size of the first target image B11.

[0166] In step S23, the printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data from the print image data D1 based on identifiers such as spot colors and layers. The printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data by extracting an image frame F1 that shows a surplus image B2 from multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the surplus image data. The printing device 12 may combine the target image data with surplus data D3, or with data stored by the printing device 12.

[0167] In step S23, the printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data indicating surplus image B2 including information described in the layout file. The printing device 12 may acquire the surplus image data by combining the print image data D1 and the layout file. The printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data indicating surplus image B2, for example, including information related to printing and processing.

[0168] In step S24, the printing device 12 executes an area printing process. The area printing process is a process for printing a target area E1 and a surplus area E2. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the target image B1 in the number indicated by the print job. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. More specifically, the printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. The printing device 12 prints the lead-out area E2B by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. The specific process of step S24 will be described later with reference to FIG. 19.

[0169] In step S25, the printing device 12 determines whether there is a next print job. If there is a next print job, the printing device 12 returns to step S22. As a result, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1 for each print job. That is, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1 for each of two or more print jobs. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 for each print job. The printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A and the lead-out area E2B for each print job. That is, the printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 for each of two or more print jobs. If there is no next print job, the printing device 12 ends the printing process.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 19, the printing device 12 executes an area printing process. In the area printing process, the printing device 12 may determine whether to print the surplus area E2 with a first pattern P1 or a second pattern P2 based on the execution order of the print jobs. That is, the printing device 12 may determine whether to print the surplus image B2 with a first specified value or a second specified value based on the execution order of two or more print jobs. In this case, the printing device 12 can change the number of surplus images B2 that make up the surplus area E2 between print jobs.

[0171] The printing device 12 may be configured to automatically determine whether to print the surplus area E2 with the first pattern P1 or the second pattern P2. The printing device 12 may be configured to prompt the user to decide each time whether to print the surplus area E2 with the first pattern P1 or the second pattern P2. For example, the printing device 12 may be configured to accept a setting for automatic determination from the user. The information processing device 13 may accept, on the surplus setting screen 70, whether the printing device 12 will automatically determine.

[0172] In step S31, the printing device 12 compares the current print job with the previous print job. If there is no previous print job, for example, if the current print job is the first print job, the printing device 12 may skip steps S31 and S32. In this case, the printing device 12 may execute step S33.

[0173] In step S32, the printing device 12 determines whether the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed. Specifically, the printing device 12 determines whether the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed for two consecutive print jobs (the previous and current print jobs). The printing device 12 references the print image data D1 and the job data D2 for the two consecutive print jobs. For example, if the processing blade 46 used for the two consecutive print jobs is different, the printing device 12 determines that the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed. This is because the processing blade 46 needs to be replaced. For example, if the size of the image frame F1 is different for the two consecutive print jobs, the printing device 12 determines that the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed. This is because the spacing between the marker images A3 needs to be changed. For example, if the processing blade 46 and the size of the image frame F1 match for the two consecutive print jobs, the printing device 12 determines that the settings of the processing device 16 do not need to be changed.

[0174] If the printing device 12 determines in step S32 that the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed, the processing proceeds to step S33. If the printing device 12 determines that the settings of the processing device 16 do not need to be changed, the processing proceeds to step S34.

[0175] In step S33, the printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A with the first pattern P1. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the surplus images B2 by the number indicated by the first specified value.

[0176] In step S34, the printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A with the second pattern P2. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the surplus images B2 by the number indicated by the second specified value.

[0177] In step S35, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the target image B1 the number of times indicated by the print job. In this way, the target area E1 is printed.

[0178] In step S36, the printing device 12 compares the current print job with the next print job. If there is no next print job, for example, if the current print job is the last print job, the printing device 12 may skip steps S36 and S37. In this case, the printing device 12 may execute step S38.

[0179] In step S37, the printing device 12 determines whether the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed. As in step S32, the printing device 12 determines whether the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed for two consecutive print jobs, the current and next. If the printing device 12 determines that the settings of the processing device 16 need to be changed, it proceeds to step S38. If the printing device 12 determines that the settings of the processing device 16 do not need to be changed, it proceeds to step S39.

[0180] In step S38, the printing device 12 prints the lead-out area E2B with the first pattern P1. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the surplus images B2 by the number indicated by the first specified value.

[0181] In step S39, the printing device 12 prints the lead-out area E2B using the second pattern P2. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the surplus images B2 by the number indicated by the second specified value.

[0182] As shown in Fig. 20, the printing device 12 executes a printing process, thereby printing a target area E1 and a surplus area E2 on the medium M1. The printing device 12 executes, for example, the second print job J2 and then the first print job J1 in that order. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the surplus area E2 located between the second target area E12 and the first target area E11 is printed with the first pattern P1. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 20, all of the surplus area E2 is printed with the first pattern P1.

[0183] The printing device 12 first prints the second surplus area E22 by printing the second surplus images B22 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. At this time, the printing device 12 prints the second lead-in area E2A2 by printing the second surplus images B22 in the number indicated by the first specified value. The printing device 12 may print the second surplus images B22 including the text "JOB END" in the second lead-in area E2A2. Next, the printing device 12 prints the second target area E12 by printing the second target images B12 in the number indicated by the second print job J2. Next, the printing device 12 prints the second surplus area E22 by printing the second surplus images B22 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. At this time, the printing device 12 prints the second lead-out area E2B2 by printing the second surplus images B22 in the number indicated by the first specified value. The printing device 12 may print a second surplus image B22 containing the text "Job Begins" in the second lead-out area E2B2. Next, the printing device 12 prints the first surplus area E21 by printing the number of first surplus images B21 indicated by the surplus data D3. At this time, the printing device 12 prints the first lead-in area E2A1 by printing the number of first surplus images B21 indicated by the first specified value. The printing device 12 may print a first surplus image B21 containing the text "Job Ends" in the first lead-in area E2A1. Next, the printing device 12 prints the first target area E11 by printing the number of first target images B11 indicated by the first print job J1. Next, the printing device 12 prints the first surplus area E21 by printing the number of first surplus images B21 indicated by the surplus data D3. In this case, the printing device 12 prints the first lead-out area E2B1 by printing the first surplus images B21 in the number indicated by the first specified value. The printing device 12 may print the first surplus images B21 including the text "Job Start" in the first lead-out area E2B1.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 21, the printing device 12 executes a printing process, thereby printing a target area E1 and a surplus area E2 on the medium M1. The printing device 12 executes the second print job J2 and then the first print job J1, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the surplus area E2 located between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12 is printed with the second pattern P2. In more detail, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the surplus area E2 located between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12 is printed with the second pattern P2, and the other surplus areas E2 are printed with the first pattern P1.

[0185] The printing device 12 prints the second lead-out area E2B2 by printing the second surplus images B22 in the number indicated by the second specified value. The printing device 12 prints the first lead-in area E2A1 by printing the first surplus images B21 in the number indicated by the second specified value. In one example, the second specified value is 0, so the first lead-in area E2A1 and the second lead-out area E2B2 are not formed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. As a result, the first target area E11 and the second target area E12 are continuous on the medium M1. In this case, consumption of the medium M1 and consumption of liquid due to the surplus area E2 are reduced.

[0186] The printing device 12 may determine whether to print using the first specified value or the second specified value based on other criteria, not just whether a setting change is required for the processing device 16. That is, the printing device 12 may determine whether to apply the first pattern P1 or the second pattern P2 based on other criteria, not just the execution order of the print jobs. If the layout file selected on the surplus setting screen 70 is applied to all print jobs, it is difficult to set the surplus area E2 for each print job. In this regard, by including the first pattern P1 and the second pattern P2 in the surplus data D3, the surplus area E2 can be set for each print job.

[0187] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) The information processing device 13 receives a target print instruction to print the target area E1 by receiving one or more print jobs selected from multiple print jobs. The information processing device 13 receives a surplus print instruction to print the surplus area E2. The information processing device 13 transmits surplus data D3 and one or more print jobs based on the surplus print instruction to the printing device 12. The printing device 12 acquires target image data representing a target image B1 including a product image A1 from the print image data D1. The printing device 12 acquires surplus image data representing a surplus image B2 not including the product image A1 from the print image data D1, the surplus image B2 having a size matching that of the target image B1. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the target image B1 in the number indicated by the print job. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. With the above configuration, the printing system 11 can separately accept the number of target images B1 and the number of surplus images B2. This allows the user to easily set the surplus area E2. This reduces the effort required for processing.

[0188] (1-2) The printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A and the lead-out area E2B by printing the number of surplus images B2 indicated by the surplus data D3. With the above configuration, the printing system 11 can accept the number of surplus images B2 that make up the lead-in area E2A and the number of surplus images B2 that make up the lead-out area E2B. This allows the user to easily set the lead-in area E2A and the lead-out area E2B.

[0189] (1-3) The information processing device 13 accepts a target print instruction by accepting two or more print jobs selected from the multiple print jobs and accepting a printing device 12 selected from the multiple printing devices 12 as the destination of the two or more print jobs. After accepting the target print instruction, the information processing device 13 accepts a surplus print instruction. The information processing device 13 transmits two or more print jobs and surplus data D3 to the printing device 12. With the above configuration, the user can issue a surplus print instruction to the information processing device 13 after allocating two or more print jobs to the printing device 12. This allows the user to easily set the surplus area E2.

[0190] (1-4) The information processing device 13 determines the number of surplus images B2 that make up the surplus area E2 based on the length of the surplus area E2 indicated in the surplus print instruction and the print image data D1. The information processing device 13 sends surplus data D3 indicating the number of surplus images B2 that make up the surplus area E2 to the printing device 12. With the above configuration, the user can specify the length of the surplus area E2. The printing system 11 prints the number of surplus images B2 corresponding to the specified length. This allows the user to easily configure the surplus area E2.

[0191] (1-5) The information processing device 13 determines the number of surplus images B2 that will form the lead-in area E2A based on the length of the lead-in area E2A indicated by the surplus printing instruction and the print image data D1. The information processing device 13 determines the number of surplus images B2 that will form the lead-out area E2B based on the length of the lead-out area E2B indicated by the surplus printing instruction and the print image data D1. The information processing device 13 transmits surplus data D3 indicating the number of surplus images B2 that will form the lead-in area E2A and the number of surplus images B2 that will form the lead-out area E2B to the printing device 12. With the above configuration, the user can specify the length of the lead-in area E2A and the lead-out area E2B. The printing system 11 prints the number of surplus images B2 that corresponds to the specified length. This allows the user to easily configure the lead-in area E2A and the lead-out area E2B.

[0192] (1-6) The information processing device 13 receives a surplus print instruction by receiving one or more layout files selected from a plurality of layout files. According to the above configuration, the user can easily set the surplus area E2 by selecting a layout file.

[0193] (1-7) The information processing device 13 selects one or more layout files from the multiple layout files so that the processing device 16 specified by one or more print jobs matches the processing device 16 associated with one or more layout files. The length required for the surplus area E2 may vary depending on the processing device 16. According to the above configuration, the number of surplus images B2 is determined depending on the processing device 16 used for processing. This improves usability.

[0194] (1-8) The information processing device 13 accepts a surplus print instruction by accepting the number of surplus images B2 that make up the surplus area E2. With the above configuration, the user can specify the number of surplus images B2. This allows the user to easily configure the surplus area E2.

[0195] (1-9) The printing device 12 prints the excess area E2 for each of two or more print jobs. With the above configuration, the user can easily set the excess area E2 to be printed for each print job. This reduces the effort required for processing.

[0196] (1-10) The printing device 12 determines whether to print the surplus image B2 with the first specified value or the second specified value based on the execution order of two or more print jobs. Depending on the execution order of the print jobs, it may not be necessary to adjust the processing device 16. For example, there may be cases where less information needs to be written on the surplus image B2. In this case, a small surplus area E2 may not be a problem. With the above configuration, the setting of the surplus area E2 can be changed depending on the execution order of the print jobs, improving usability.

[0197] (1-11) The printing device 12 acquires surplus image data representing the surplus image B2 including the information described in the layout file. According to the above configuration, the surplus area E2 is printed using the surplus image B2 including the information in the layout file. This improves usability.

[0198] <Second Example> Next, a second embodiment will be described. The printing device 12 may print multiple print jobs on the medium M1. In this case, the printing device 12 may print a surplus area E2 between the target areas E1. That is, the printing device 12 may print a first surplus area E21, a second surplus area E22, or both, between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. The surplus area E2 between the target areas E1 may be a lead-out area E2B associated with the print job to be processed first, a lead-in area E2A associated with the print job to be processed later, or both. The operator of the processing device 16 can understand the boundaries of the print jobs by checking the surplus area E2 between the target areas E1.

[0199] Depending on the content of multiple print jobs, it may not be necessary to change the settings of the processing device 16 between print jobs. For example, it may not be necessary to replace the processing blade 46 or change the detection interval of the detection unit 47 between print jobs. Even in such cases, the effort required for processing may be reduced by recording information about the print job, information about processing, etc. in the surplus area E2. However, if the printing device 12 provides the surplus area E2 with such information printed therein, there is a risk that the processing device 16 will be unable to detect the mark image A3 and will stop. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the printing system 11 prints the surplus area E2 between the target areas E1 by printing the surplus image B2 including the mark image A3.

[0200] In the first embodiment, when there is no need to change the settings of the processing device 16 between print jobs, the surplus area E2 between the target areas E1 is omitted, but in the second embodiment, the surplus area E2 between the target areas E1 is not omitted. By not omitting the surplus area E2, information related to printing, processing, etc. is printed in the surplus area E2. This allows the operator to grasp information related to printing, processing, etc.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 17, the information processing device 13 is configured to execute a transmission process, similar to the first embodiment. In step S11, the information processing device 13 accepts a target print instruction. Specifically, the information processing device 13 accepts the target print instruction by accepting a print job. The information processing device 13 accepts one or more print jobs selected from a plurality of print jobs stored in the information storage unit 62. The information processing device 13 accepts, for example, a print job selected on the job setting screen 67. In one example, the information processing device 13 accepts a first print job J1 and a second print job J2 from the plurality of print jobs. As a result, the information processing device 13 accepts a target print instruction to print the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. In one example, the target print instruction includes an instruction to print the second print job J2 and the first print job J1 in this order.

[0202] In step S12, the information processing device 13 accepts a surplus printing instruction. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the first surplus area E21. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the first lead-in area E2A1. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the first lead-out area E2B1. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the second surplus area E22. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the second lead-in area E2A2. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the second lead-out area E2B2.

[0203] The surplus print instruction may include information specifying the length of the surplus area E2. As in the first embodiment, the surplus print instruction may include information specifying the length of the lead-in area E2A, or may include information specifying the length of the lead-out area E2B. The surplus print instruction may include information specifying the number of surplus images B2, information specifying the distance of the surplus area E2, etc. The length of the lead-in area E2A affects the length of the first surplus area E21 and the length of the second surplus area E22. The length of the lead-out area E2B affects the length of the first surplus area E21 and the length of the second surplus area E22. Therefore, in this respect, the surplus print instruction includes information specifying the length of the first surplus area E21 and the length of the second surplus area E22.

[0204] The information processing device 13 may be configured to set the surplus area E2 individually for each print job. For example, the information processing device 13 may switch the number of surplus images B2 for each print job using a first specified value and a second specified value. In this case, the surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to specify, for each print job, a pattern to be applied from among multiple patterns included in the layout file. In this way, the surplus printing instruction may include information specifying the length of the first surplus area E21 and information specifying the length of the second surplus area E22.

[0205] The information processing device 13 accepts a surplus printing instruction by accepting a layout file. The information processing device 13 accepts one or more layout files selected from a plurality of layout files stored in the information storage unit 62. The information processing device 13 accepts a layout file selected in the lead-in setting field 71, a layout file selected in the lead-out setting field 72, or both. In this way, the information processing device 13 accepts a surplus printing instruction. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus printing instruction by directly accepting a layout file from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus printing instruction not only by accepting a layout file, but also by directly accepting settings related to the surplus area E2 via the surplus setting screen 70.

[0206] In step S13, the information processing device 13 generates surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 generates surplus data D3 based on the surplus print instruction. The information processing device 13 may generate the received layout file as the surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 may generate parameters representing settings related to the surplus area E2 received via the surplus setting screen 70 as the surplus data D3.

[0207] In step S13, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 that constitute the surplus area E2 based on the surplus print instruction. As in the first embodiment, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 that constitute the surplus area E2 based on the length of the surplus area E2 included in the surplus print instruction and the print job.

[0208] The information processing device 13 may determine the number of first surplus images B21 that constitute the first lead-in area E2A1 based on the length of the lead-in area E2A included in the surplus print instruction and the first print job J1. The information processing device 13 may determine the number of first surplus images B21 that constitute the first lead-out area E2B1 based on the length of the lead-out area E2B included in the surplus print instruction and the first print job J1. In this way, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of first surplus images B21 that constitute the first surplus area E21 based on the length of the first surplus area E21 included in the surplus print instruction and the first print image data.

[0209] The information processing device 13 may determine the number of second surplus images B22 that constitute the second lead-in area E2A2 based on the length of the lead-in area E2A included in the surplus print instruction and the second print job J2. The information processing device 13 may determine the number of second surplus images B22 that constitute the second lead-out area E2B2 based on the length of the lead-out area E2B included in the surplus print instruction and the second print job J2. In this way, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of second surplus images B22 that constitute the second surplus area E22 based on the length of the second surplus area E22 included in the surplus print instruction and the second print image data.

[0210] The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 including information on the determined number of surplus images B2 in step S13. The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 indicating the number of first surplus images B21 and the number of second surplus images B22.

[0211] In step S14, the information processing device 13 generates print data D4. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the print job accepted in step S11. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the surplus data D3 generated in step S13. In one example, the information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the first print job J1, the second print job J2, and the surplus data D3.

[0212] In step S15, the information processing device 13 transmits the print data D4 to the printing device 12. More specifically, the information processing device 13 transmits the surplus data D3 and the print job to the printing device 12. The information processing device 13 transmits, for example, the first print job J1, the second print job J2, and the surplus data D3 to the printing device 12. After completing the processing of step S15, the information processing device 13 ends the transmission processing.

[0213] As shown in Fig. 18, the printing device 12 is configured to execute printing processing similarly to the first embodiment. In step S21, the printing device 12 accepts print data D4. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts the print jobs included in the print data D4. In one example, the printing device 12 accepts a first print job J1 and a second print job J2. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts surplus data D3 included in the print data D4.

[0214] In step S22, the printing device 12 acquires target image data representing a target image B1 including a product image A1 and a landmark image A3 from the print image data D1. Specifically, the printing device 12 acquires target image data from the print image data D1 for each print job. When executing a first print job J1, the printing device 12 acquires first target image data representing a first target image B11 including a first product image A11 and a landmark image A3 from the first print image data. The first print image data is the print image data D1 included in the first print job J1. When executing a second print job J2, the printing device 12 acquires second target image data representing a second target image B12 including a second product image A12 and a landmark image A3 from the second print image data. The second print image data is the print image data D1 included in the second print job J2. The target image B1 is not limited to the product image A1 and the landmark image A3, and may include other images.

[0215] In step S22, the printing device 12 may acquire target image data from the print image data D1 based on identifiers such as spot colors and layers. The printing device 12 may acquire the target image data by extracting an image frame F1 showing the target image B1 from multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the target image data. The printing device 12 may combine data stored in itself with the target image data.

[0216] In step S23, the printing device 12 acquires surplus image data indicating a surplus image B2 including the landmark image A3 from the print image data D1. Specifically, the printing device 12 acquires surplus image data from the print image data D1 for each print job. When executing the first print job J1, the printing device 12 acquires surplus image data indicating a first surplus image B21 including the landmark image A3 from the first print image data. When executing the second print job J2, the printing device 12 acquires surplus image data indicating a second surplus image B22 including the landmark image A3 from the second print image data. The surplus image B2 is not limited to the landmark image A3 and may include other images.

[0217] In step S23, the printing device 12 acquires surplus image data from the print image data D1 so that the size of the surplus image B2 matches the size of the target image B1. The printing device 12 acquires first surplus image data from the first print image data so that the size of the first surplus image B21 matches the size of the first target image B11. The printing device 12 acquires second surplus image data from the second print image data so that the size of the second surplus image B22 matches the size of the second target image B12. The printing device 12 acquires first target image data representing the first target image B11 and first surplus image data representing the first surplus image B21 based on the first image frame F11. The printing device 12 acquires second target image data representing the second target image B12 and second surplus image data representing the second surplus image B22 based on the second image frame F12. Therefore, the size of the surplus image B2 matches the size of the target image B1.

[0218] In step S23, the printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data from the print image data D1 based on identifiers such as spot colors and layers. The printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data by extracting an image frame F1 that shows a surplus image B2 from multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the surplus image data. The printing device 12 may combine the target image data with surplus data D3, or with data stored by the printing device 12.

[0219] In step S23, the printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data indicating surplus image B2 including information described in the layout file. The printing device 12 may acquire the surplus image data by combining the print image data D1 and the layout file. The printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data indicating surplus image B2, for example, including information related to printing and processing.

[0220] In step S24, the printing device 12 executes an area printing process. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the target image B1 in the number indicated by the print job. The printing device 12 prints the first target area E11 by printing the first target image B11 in the number indicated by the first print job J1. The printing device 12 prints the second target area E12 by printing the second target image B12 in the number indicated by the second print job J2. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12 by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. More specifically, the printer 12 prints the lead-in area E2A and the lead-out area E2B by printing the number of surplus images B2 indicated by the surplus data D3. Accordingly, the surplus area E2 is printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. The specific processing of step S24 will be described later with reference to FIG. 22.

[0221] In step S25, the printing device 12 determines whether there is a next print job. If there is a next print job, the printing device 12 returns to step S22. As a result, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1 for each print job. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 for each print job. The printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A for each print job. The printing device 12 may also print the lead-out area E2B for each print job. If there is no next print job, the printing device 12 ends the printing process.

[0222] 22, the printing device 12 executes an area printing process. In the second embodiment, the printing device 12 does not determine whether to print the surplus area E2 with the first pattern P1 or the second pattern P2 in the area printing process. Therefore, the surplus data D3 does not need to include multiple patterns for the layout of the surplus area E2.

[0223] In step S41, the printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A. The printing device 12 prints the number of surplus images B2 indicated by the surplus data D3. This prints the lead-in area E2A. When executing the second print job J2, the printing device 12 prints the second lead-in area E2A2. When executing the first print job J1, the printing device 12 prints the first lead-in area E2A1. At this time, the first surplus area E21 is printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12.

[0224] In step S42, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the target image B1 as many times as indicated by the print job. This prints the target area E1. When executing the second print job J2, the printing device 12 prints the second target area E12. When executing the first print job J1, the printing device 12 prints the first target area E11.

[0225] In step S43, the printing device 12 prints the lead-out area E2B. The printing device 12 prints the number of surplus images B2 indicated by the surplus data D3. This prints the lead-out area E2B. When executing the second print job J2, the printing device 12 prints the second lead-out area E2B2. At this time, the second surplus area E22 is printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. When printing the first print job J1, the printing device 12 prints the first lead-out area E2B1.

[0226] The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 and the surplus area E2 by executing an area printing process for each print job. The printing device 12 prints the first target area E11 by printing the first target image B11 in the number indicated by the first print job J1. The printing device 12 prints the second target area E12 by printing the second target image B12 in the number indicated by the second print job J2. The printing device 12 prints the first surplus area E21 by printing the first surplus image B21 between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. The printing device 12 may print the second surplus area E22 by printing the second surplus image B22 between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3.

[0227] When executing the second print job J2, the printing device 12 prints the second surplus area E22 by printing the number of second surplus images B22 indicated by the surplus data D3 so that the second surplus area E22 is adjacent to the second target area E12. The printing device 12 prints the second lead-in area E2A2 so that the second surplus area E2A2 is adjacent to the second target area E12. The printing device 12 prints the second lead-out area E2B2 so that the second surplus area E2B2 is adjacent to the second target area E12. The printing device 12 prints the second lead-out area E2B2 between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12.

[0228] The printing device 12 may print the second surplus area E22 by printing the second surplus images B22 between the first surplus area E21 and the second target area E12 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. More specifically, the printing device 12 may print the second lead-out area E2B2 between the first lead-in area E2A1 and the second target area E12.

[0229] During execution of the first print job J1, the printing device 12 prints the first surplus area E21 by printing the number of first surplus images B21 indicated by the surplus data D3 so that the first surplus area E21 is adjacent to the first target area E11. The printing device 12 prints the first lead-in area E2A1 so that the first surplus area E2A1 is adjacent to the first target area E11. The printing device 12 prints the first lead-in area E2A1 between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12.

[0230] The printing device 12 may print the first surplus area E21 by printing the first surplus images B21 between the first target area E11 and the second surplus area E22 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. Specifically, the printing device 12 may print the first lead-in area E2A1 between the first target area E11 and the second lead-out area E2B2.

[0231] 23, 24, and 25, when the printing device 12 executes the printing process, a surplus area E2 is printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. In the example shown in FIG. 23, a first surplus area E21 is printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. In the example shown in FIG. 24, a second surplus area E22 is printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the first surplus area E21 and the second surplus area E22 are printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12.

[0232] The printing device 12 prints the landmark images A3 that make up the surplus area E2 at the same intervals as the landmark images A3 lined up in the target area E1. That is, the printing device 12 prints the first surplus image B21 so that the intervals between the landmark images A3 in the first surplus area E21 and the landmark images A3 in the first target area E11, which are adjacent to each other, match the intervals between the landmark images A3 in the first target area E11, which are adjacent to each other. The printing device 12 prints the second surplus image B22 so that the intervals between the landmark images A3 in the second surplus area E22 and the landmark images A3 in the second target area E12, which are adjacent to each other, match the intervals between the landmark images A3 in the second target area E12, which are adjacent to each other. Because the target image B1 and the surplus image B2 are printed in image frame F1 units, the intervals between the landmark images A3 are constant throughout the print job. That is, the distance between the mark image A3 in the surplus area E2 and the target area E1 does not change. Therefore, the processing device 16 can detect the mark image A3 in the surplus area E2. This reduces the possibility that the processing device 16 will stop between print jobs.

[0233] <Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment> Next, the operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The information processing device 13 receives a first print job J1 and a second print job J2 selected from multiple print jobs, thereby receiving a target print instruction to print a first target area E11 and a second target area E12. The information processing device 13 receives a surplus print instruction to print a surplus area E2 different from the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. The information processing device 13 transmits surplus data D3, the first print job J1, and the second print job J2 based on the surplus print instruction to the printing device 12. The printing device 12 acquires first target image data representing a first target image B11 including a first product image A11 and a landmark image A3 from the first print image data. The printing device 12 acquires second target image data representing a second target image B12 including a second product image A12 and a landmark image A3 from the second print image data. The printing device 12 acquires surplus image data representing a surplus image B2 including a landmark image A3 from the first print image data. The printing device 12 prints the first target area E11 by printing the first target image B11 in the number indicated by the first print job J1. The printing device 12 prints the second target area E12 by printing the second target image B12 in the number indicated by the second print job J2. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3 between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. According to the above configuration, the surplus image B2 including the mark image A3 is printed between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. This reduces the risk of the processing device 16 stopping in the surplus area E2. Therefore, providing the surplus area E2 reduces the effort required for processing and also reduces the risk of the processing device 16 stopping in the surplus area E2.

[0234] (2-2) The printing device 12 prints the surplus image B2 so that the distance between the mark image A3 in the surplus area E2 and the mark image A3 in the first target area E11 that are adjacent to each other matches the distance between the mark images A3 in the first target area E11 that are adjacent to each other. This configuration reduces the risk of the processing device 16 stopping in the surplus area E2.

[0235] (2-3) The printing device 12 acquires the surplus image data from the first print image data so that the size of the surplus image B2 matches the size of the first target image B11. With the above configuration, the spacing of the mark images A3 in the first target area E11 and the surplus area E2 tends to match.

[0236] (2-4) The printing device 12 acquires the surplus image data from the first print image data based on the plurality of identifiers. According to the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily acquire the surplus image data from the first print image data.

[0237] (2-5) The printing device 12 prints the second surplus area E22 by printing the number of second surplus images B22 indicated by the surplus data D3 so that the second surplus area E22 is adjacent to the second target area E12. With the above configuration, the printing device 12 can print information in the second surplus area E22 that is different from the information in the first surplus area E21. This improves usability.

[0238] (2-6) The printing device 12 prints the second surplus area E22 by printing the number of second surplus images B22 indicated by the surplus data D3 between the first surplus area E21 and the second target area E12. According to the above configuration, the first surplus area E21 and the second surplus area E22 are located between the first target area E11 and the second target area E12. Therefore, information is concentrated at the point where the print job switches. This improves usability.

[0239] (2-7) The information processing device 13 determines the number of first surplus images B21 that constitute the first surplus region E21 based on the length of the first surplus region E21 included in the surplus print instruction and the first print image data. The information processing device 13 determines the number of second surplus images B22 that constitute the second surplus region E22 based on the length of the second surplus region E22 included in the surplus print instruction and the second print image data. The information processing device 13 transmits surplus data D3 indicating the number of first surplus images B21 and the number of second surplus images B22 to the printing device 12. With the above configuration, the user can specify the length of the first surplus region E21 and the length of the second surplus region E22. The printing device 12 prints the first surplus images B21 and the second surplus images B22 in numbers corresponding to the specified lengths. This allows the user to easily configure the first surplus region E21 and the second surplus region E22.

[0240] (2-8) The printing device 12 acquires surplus image data representing a surplus image B2 that includes information described in one or more layout files. With the above configuration, the printing device 12 can print the information included in the layout file in the surplus area E2. This improves usability.

[0241] <Third Example> Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the processing device 16, the excess area E2 may be utilized to adjust the position of the processing blade 46. The operator of the processing device 16 adjusts the position of the processing blade 46 by processing the excess area E2 with the processing blade 46.

[0242] When the printing device 12 prints the product image A1 in the excess area E2, a problem arises in that a large amount of liquid is consumed. Therefore, if the position of the cutting blade 46 can be adjusted using the excess area E2 without printing the product image A1, the amount of liquid consumed can be reduced. In the third embodiment, the printing system 11 prints the excess area E2 by printing the excess image B2, which does not include the product image A1 but includes the pattern image A4.

[0243] 17, the information processing device 13 is configured to execute a transmission process, similar to the first and second embodiments. In step S11, the information processing device 13 accepts a target print instruction. Specifically, the information processing device 13 accepts a print job, thereby accepting the target print instruction. The information processing device 13 accepts a print job selected from one or more print jobs stored in the information storage unit 62. The information processing device 13 accepts, for example, a print job selected on the job setting screen 67. As a result, the information processing device 13 accepts a target print instruction to print the print job.

[0244] In step S12, the information processing device 13 receives a surplus printing instruction. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the lead-in area E2A. The surplus printing instruction may include an instruction to print the lead-out area E2B.

[0245] The information processing device 13 accepts a surplus printing instruction by accepting a layout file. The information processing device 13 accepts one or more layout files selected from a plurality of layout files stored in the information storage unit 62. The information processing device 13 accepts a layout file selected in the lead-in setting field 71, a layout file selected in the lead-out setting field 72, or both. In this way, the information processing device 13 accepts a surplus printing instruction. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus printing instruction by directly accepting a layout file from the terminal device 15. The information processing device 13 may accept a surplus printing instruction not only by accepting a layout file, but also by directly accepting settings related to the surplus area E2 via the surplus setting screen 70.

[0246] In step S13, the information processing device 13 generates surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 generates surplus data D3 based on the surplus print instruction. The information processing device 13 may generate the received layout file as the surplus data D3. The information processing device 13 may generate parameters representing settings related to the surplus area E2 received via the surplus setting screen 70 as the surplus data D3.

[0247] In step S13, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 that constitute the surplus area E2 based on the surplus print instruction. As in the first and second embodiments, the information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 that constitute the surplus area E2 based on the length of the surplus area E2 included in the surplus print instruction and the print job.

[0248] The information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 that will constitute the lead-in area E2A based on the length of the lead-in area E2A included in the surplus print instruction and the print job.The information processing device 13 may determine the number of surplus images B2 that will constitute the lead-out area E2B based on the length of the lead-out area E2B included in the surplus print instruction and the print job.The information processing device 13 may generate surplus data D3 that includes information about the determined number of surplus images B2.

[0249] In step S14, the information processing device 13 generates print data D4. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the print job accepted in step S11. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the surplus data D3 generated in step S13.

[0250] In step S15, the information processing device 13 transmits the print data D4 to the printing device 12. More specifically, the information processing device 13 transmits the surplus data D3 and the print job to the printing device 12. After completing the process of step S15, the information processing device 13 ends the transmission process.

[0251] As shown in Fig. 18, the printing device 12 is configured to execute printing processing similarly to the first and second embodiments. In step S21, the printing device 12 accepts print data D4. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts the print jobs included in the print data D4. In one example, the printing device 12 accepts a first print job J1 and a second print job J2. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts surplus data D3 included in the print data D4.

[0252] In step S22, the printing device 12 acquires target image data representing a target image B1 including a product image A1 from the print image data D1. In one example, the printing device 12 acquires target image data representing a target image B1 including a product image A1 and a landmark image A3 from the print image data D1. The target image B1 is not limited to the product image A1 and the landmark image A3, and may include other images.

[0253] In step S22, the printing device 12 may acquire target image data from the print image data D1 based on identifiers such as spot colors and layers. The printing device 12 may acquire the target image data by extracting an image frame F1 showing the target image B1 from multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the target image data. The printing device 12 may combine data stored in itself with the target image data.

[0254] In step S23, the printing device 12 acquires excess image data representing excess image B2 that does not include product image A1 but includes pattern image A4 from the print image data D1. In one example, the printing device 12 acquires excess image data representing excess image B2 that does not include product image A1 but includes landmark image A3 and pattern image A4 from the print image data D1. The excess image B2 is not limited to landmark image A3 and pattern image A4, and may include other images.

[0255] In step S23, the printing device 12 acquires surplus image data from the print image data D1 so that the size of the surplus image B2 matches the size of the target image B1. The printing device 12 acquires target image data representing the target image B1 and surplus image data representing the surplus image B2 based on the image frame F1. Therefore, the size of the surplus image B2 matches the size of the target image B1.

[0256] In step S23, the printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data from the print image data D1 based on identifiers such as spot colors and layers. The printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data by extracting an image frame F1 that indicates a surplus image B2 from multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data, for example, by extracting a pattern image A4 from the print image data D1 based on the identifier. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the surplus image data. The printing device 12 may combine surplus data D3 with the surplus image data, or may combine data stored by the printing device 12 itself.

[0257] The printing device 12 may acquire excess image data representing excess image B2 including information described in text data stored in the printing device 12. The printing device 12 may acquire excess image data by combining print image data D1 and text data. The printing device 12 may acquire excess image data representing excess image B2, for example, including text such as "job start" and "job end."

[0258] In step S23, the printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data indicating surplus image B2 including information described in the layout file. The printing device 12 may acquire the surplus image data by combining the print image data D1 and the layout file. The printing device 12 may acquire surplus image data indicating surplus image B2, for example, including information related to printing and processing.

[0259] In step S24, the printing device 12 executes an area printing process. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the target image B1. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the target image B1 in the number indicated by the print job. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. In more detail, the printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A or the lead-out area E2B by printing the surplus image B2 in the number indicated by the surplus data D3. The specific processing of step S24 will be described later with reference to FIG. 22.

[0260] In step S25, the printing device 12 determines whether there is a next print job. If there is a next print job, the printing device 12 returns to step S22. As a result, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1 for each print job. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 for each print job. The printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A for each print job. The printing device 12 prints the lead-out area E2B for each print job. If there is no next print job, the printing device 12 ends the printing process.

[0261] 22, the printing device 12 executes the area printing process in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the printing device 12 does not determine whether to print the surplus area E2 with the first pattern P1 or the second pattern P2 in the area printing process. Therefore, the surplus data D3 does not need to include multiple patterns for the layout of the surplus area E2.

[0262] In step S41, the printing device 12 prints the lead-in area E2A. The printing device 12 prints the number of surplus images B2 indicated by the surplus data D3. As a result, the lead-in area E2A is printed in which the surplus images B2 including the pattern image A4 are arranged.

[0263] When printing the lead-in area E2A, the printing device 12 may print the pattern image A4 in a printing color associated with a spot color based on conversion information included in the print job or layout file. The printing device 12 may print the pattern image A4 in a printing color associated with a spot color based on conversion information included in the layout file that sets the lead-in area E2A, for example. The printing device 12 may convert the pattern image A4 into printing colors expressed in CMYK, and then print the surplus image B2.

[0264] In step S42, the printing device 12 prints the target area E1. Specifically, the printing device 12 prints the target images B1 as many times as indicated by the print job. This prints the target area E1 in which the target images B1, including the product image A1, are arranged.

[0265] In step S43, the printing device 12 prints the lead-out area E2B. The printing device 12 prints the number of surplus images B2 indicated by the surplus data D3. As a result, the lead-out area E2B is printed in which the surplus images B2 including the pattern image A4 are arranged.

[0266] When printing the lead-out area E2B, the printing device 12 may print the pattern image A4 in a printing color associated with a spot color based on conversion information included in the print job or layout file. The printing device 12 may print the pattern image A4 in a printing color associated with a spot color based on conversion information included in the layout file that sets the lead-out area E2B, for example. The printing device 12 may convert the pattern image A4 into printing colors expressed in CMYK, and then print the surplus image B2.

[0267] 26, the printing device 12 executes the printing process to print a surplus area E2 in which surplus images B2 including pattern images A4 are arranged. The operator of the processing device 16 adjusts the position of the processing blade 46 by processing the pattern images A4 with the processing blade 46. Therefore, the amount of liquid consumed is reduced compared to when the surplus images B2 include the product images A1.

[0268] <Actions and Effects of the Third Embodiment> Next, the operation and effects of the third embodiment will be described. (3-1) The information processing device 13 receives a target print instruction to print the target area E1 by receiving one or more print jobs selected from multiple print jobs. The information processing device 13 receives a surplus print instruction to print the surplus area E2. The information processing device 13 transmits surplus data D3 based on the surplus print instruction and one or more print jobs to the printing device 12. The printing device 12 acquires target image data representing a target image B1 including a product image A1 from the print image data D1. The printing device 12 acquires surplus image data representing a surplus image B2 that does not include the product image A1 but includes a pattern image A4, the surplus image B2 having a size matching that of the target image B1. The printing device 12 prints the target area E1 by printing the target image B1. The printing device 12 prints the surplus area E2 by printing the surplus image B2. According to the above configuration, the product image A1 is not printed in the surplus area E2, and the pattern image A4 is printed instead. In the processing device 16, the processing blade 46 can be adjusted using the pattern image A4. Therefore, the amount of liquid consumed is reduced compared to when the product image A1 is printed in the excess area E2.

[0269] (3-2) The printing device 12 acquires the surplus image data by extracting the pattern image A4 from the print image data D1 based on the spot color. According to the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily acquire the surplus image data from the print image data D1.

[0270] (3-3) The printing device 12 acquires the surplus image data by identifying the pattern image A4 from the print image data D1 based on the name given to the spot color. With the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily acquire the surplus image data from the print image data D1.

[0271] (3-4) The printing device 12 acquires the surplus image data by extracting the pattern image A4 from the print image data D1 based on the layers. According to the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily acquire the surplus image data from the print image data D1.

[0272] (3-5) The printing device 12 acquires surplus image data representing the surplus image B2 containing information contained in the text data stored in the printing device 12. According to the above configuration, the surplus area E2 is printed using the surplus image B2 containing the information in the text data. This improves usability.

[0273] (3-6) The information processing device 13 receives a surplus printing instruction by receiving one or more layout files selected from a plurality of layout files. The printing device 12 acquires surplus image data representing the surplus image B2 including the information described in the one or more layout files. According to the above configuration, the surplus area E2 is printed using the surplus image B2 including the information described in the layout file. This improves usability.

[0274] (3-7) The printing device 12 prints the pattern image A4 in the printing color indicated by the conversion information. With the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily print the pattern image A4. For example, by printing the pattern image A4 in a color that is easily visible to the operator of the processing device 16, it is easy to adjust the position of the processing blade 46.

[0275] <Fourth Example> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the processing device 16, the position of the processing blade 46 may need to be adjusted or replaced. For example, in the processing device 16, it is necessary to adjust the position of the processing blade 46 every time the medium M1 is processed a predetermined number of times, or to replace the processing blade 46 to match the next product image A1. In such cases, if the processing device 16 automatically stops, the operator does not need to monitor the processing device 16, thereby reducing the effort required for processing. Therefore, the printing system 11 prints an image on the medium M1 so as to omit the marker image A3 at the position desired by the user.

[0276] 27, the information processing device 13 is configured to execute a transmission process. The transmission process is realized by the information control unit 61 executing a program stored in the information storage unit 62. The transmission process is a process of transmitting print data D4 to the printing device 12. The transmission process is started, for example, when the information processing device 13 causes the terminal device 15 to display a job setting screen 67.

[0277] In step S51, the information processing device 13 accepts a print job. Specifically, the information processing device 13 accepts one or more print jobs selected from a plurality of print jobs stored in the information storage unit 62. That is, the information processing device 13 accepts one or more print jobs selected on the job setting screen 67. The information processing device 13 may accept a first print job J1 and a second print job J2 selected from the plurality of print jobs.

[0278] In step S52, the information processing device 13 accepts the omission instruction. By accepting the selected print job, the information processing device 13 may accept the omission instruction included in the job data D2 of the print job. By accepting one or more layout files selected from a plurality of layout files stored in the information storage unit 62, the information processing device 13 may accept the omission instruction included in the layout file. The information processing device 13 may accept the omission instruction directly from, for example, the terminal device 15. The omission instruction is an instruction to omit the landmark image A3 from the target area E1, an instruction to omit the landmark image A3 from the surplus area E2, etc.

[0279] In step S53, the information processing device 13 generates omission data based on the omission instruction. The omission data is, for example, data for printing a marker-less image C4 that does not include the marker image A3. The omission data is data for printing the marker-less image C4 at the position indicated by the omission instruction. The omission data may also be data for transporting the medium M1 at the position indicated by the omission instruction without printing.

[0280] In step S54, the information processing device 13 generates print data D4. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the print job accepted in step S51. The information processing device 13 generates print data D4 including the omission data generated in step S53.

[0281] In step S55, the information processing device 13 transmits the print data D4 to the printing device 12. More specifically, the information processing device 13 transmits the omitted data and one or more print jobs to the printing device 12. The information processing device 13 may transmit the omitted data, the first print job J1, and the second print job J2 to the printing device 12. After completing the processing of step S55, the information processing device 13 ends the transmission processing.

[0282] 28, the printing device 12 is configured to execute a printing process. The printing process is realized by the processing control unit 22, the printing control unit 32, and the like executing programs stored in the processing storage unit 23, the printing storage unit 33, and the like. The printing process is a process of printing an image on a medium M1 based on print data D4. The printing process is initiated when the printing device 12 receives the print data D4.

[0283] In step S61, the printing device 12 accepts the print data D4. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts the print job included in the print data D4. By accepting the print data D4, the printing device 12 accepts the omitted data included in the print data D4.

[0284] In step S62, the printing device 12 acquires landmark-included image data representing a landmark-included image C3 from the print image data D1. The landmark-included image C3 may be an image including the product image A1 or an image not including the product image A1. The landmark-included image C3 may be printed as the target image B1 or as the surplus image B2. In other words, the landmark-included image data may be either target image data or surplus image data. The printing device 12 may acquire the landmark-included image data by acquiring target image data representing the target image B1 including the landmark image A3 from the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may acquire the landmark-included image data by acquiring surplus image data representing the surplus image B2 including the landmark image A3 from the print image data D1.

[0285] The printing device 12 may acquire the marker-included image data from the print image data D1 based on identifiers such as spot colors and layers. The printing device 12 may acquire the marker-included image data by extracting the image frame F1 of the marker-included image C3 from the multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the marker-included image data. The printing device 12 may combine excess data D3 with the marker-included image data. The printing device 12 may acquire, for example, marker-included image data representing the marker-included image C3 that includes information about printing and processing.

[0286] In step S63, the printing device 12 may acquire marker-free image data representing the marker-free image C4 from the print image data D1. The marker-free image C4 may be an image that includes the product image A1 or an image that does not include the product image A1. The marker-free image C4 may be printed as the target image B1 or as the surplus image B2. In other words, the marker-free image data may be either target image data or surplus image data. The printing device 12 may acquire marker-free image data by acquiring target image data representing the target image B1 that does not include the marker image A3 from the print image data D1. The printing device 12 may acquire marker-free image data by acquiring surplus image data representing the surplus image B2 that does not include the marker image A3 from the print image data D1.

[0287] The printing device 12 may acquire the marker-free image data based on identifiers such as spot colors, layers, etc. The printing device 12 may acquire the marker-free image data by extracting the image frame F1 of the marker-free image C4 from the multiple image frames F1 included in the print image data D1.

[0288] The printing device 12 may obtain the marker-free image data by combining the print image data D1 with the superimposition data. The superimposition data is image data to be superimposed on the marker image A3. The superimposition data is stored in the print storage unit 33. The superimposition data represents a blank image. The printing device 12 combines the superimposition data with the print image data D1 so as to overwrite the marker image A3. That is, the printing device 12 obtains the marker-free image C4 by superimposing the blank image on the marker image A3. The printing device 12 may combine other data with the marker-free image data. The printing device 12 may combine the surplus data D3 with the marker-free image data. In this case, the marker-free image C4 containing the information contained in the surplus data D3 is printed.

[0289] In step S64, the printing device 12 prints the landmark-included image C3 and the landmark-less image C4. The printing device 12 prints the landmark-included image C3 and the landmark-less image C4 in units of image frames F1.

[0290] In step S64, the printing device 12 prints multiple landmark-included images C3. For example, the printing device 12 prints the landmark-included image C3 by printing a target image B1 including the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 prints the landmark-included image C3 by printing a surplus image B2 including the landmark image A3. By printing the landmark-included image C3, the printing device 12 may print only the target area E1, or may print the target area E1 and the surplus area E2. The multiple landmark-included images C3 may constitute only the target area E1, or may constitute the target area E1 and the surplus area E2.

[0291] In step S64, the printing device 12 prints one or more landmark-free images C4. For example, the printing device 12 prints the landmark-free image C4 by printing a target image B1 that does not include the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 prints the landmark-free image C4 by printing a surplus image B2 that does not include the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 may print the target area E1 or the surplus area E2 by printing the landmark-free image C4. The one or more landmark-free images C4 may constitute the target area E1 or the surplus area E2.

[0292] In step S64, the printing device 12 forms a landmark-free region G1 at a position indicated by the omitted data and adjacent to at least one landmark-containing image C3 among the plurality of landmark-containing images C3. Specifically, the printing device 12 forms the landmark-free region G1 by printing a landmark-free image C4 at a position indicated by the omitted data and adjacent to at least one landmark-containing image C3. The printing device 12 forms the landmark-free region G1, for example, at a position indicated by the omitted data and between two adjacent landmark-containing images C3 among the plurality of landmark-containing images C3. In one example, the printing device 12 forms the landmark-free region G1 by printing a landmark-free image C4 between two adjacent landmark-containing images C3 among the plurality of landmark-containing images C3 at a position indicated by the omitted data. The landmark-free region G1 is a region that does not include a landmark image A3. The landmark-free region G1 is shown, for example, in FIG. 29. In one example, the landmark-free region G1 is a region where the landmark-free image C4 is printed. The landmark-free region G1 may be formed between landmark-included images C3, or may be formed at the edge of multiple landmark-included images C3. That is, the landmark-free image C4 may be printed between landmark-included images C3, or may be printed at the edge of multiple landmark-included images C3. The landmark-free image C4 may be located in the target region E1, or in the surplus region E2.

[0293] In step S65, the printing device 12 determines whether there is a next print job. If there is a next print job, the printing device 12 returns the process to step S62. If there is no next print job, the printing device 12 ends the printing process.

[0294] 29, the printing device 12 executes the printing process to obtain a medium M1 on which a plurality of landmark-containing images C3 and landmark-less images C4 are arranged. In this manner, the printing device 12 prints the image sequence in which a plurality of landmark-containing images C3 are arranged, so as to replace one or more of the landmark-containing images C3 with a landmark-less image C4 based on the omission data.

[0295] In the example shown in FIG. 29, multiple landmark-included images C3 are arranged across the target region E1 and the surplus region E2. The landmark-free image C4 is located in the surplus region E2. The landmark-free image C4 is located between the landmark-included images C3 located in the surplus region E2. The landmark-free image C4 may be located between the landmark-included images C3 located in the target region E1. The landmark-free image C4 may be located between the landmark-included image C3 in the target region E1 and the landmark-included image C3 in the surplus region E2, which are adjacent to each other. The landmark-free image C4 may be located at the edge of the surplus region E2.

[0296] The marked images C3 are printed in image frame F1 units. Therefore, the distance between the mark images A3 in two marked images C3 that sandwich a mark-free region G1 is greater than the distance between the mark images A3 in two adjacent marked images C3. Therefore, the processing device 16 automatically stops at the mark-free region G1.

[0297] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the printing device 12 may execute multiple print jobs consecutively. For example, the printing device 12 may execute a first print job J1 and a second print job J2 consecutively. In this case, the user may place a marker-less image C4 at the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2 to indicate the change of print jobs. This causes the processing device 16 to stop at the boundary between the print jobs. This allows the operator of the processing device 16 to change the settings of the processing device 16 to suit the print jobs.

[0298] 30 and 31, the printing device 12 executes the second print job J2 and the first print job J1 in that order. In this case, the user prints a marker-less image C4 in, for example, the first lead-in area E2A1 or the second lead-out area E2B2. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the marker-less image C4 is printed in a position in the first lead-in area E2A1 adjacent to the second lead-out area E2B2. In the example shown in FIG. 31, the marker-less image C4 is printed in a position in the second lead-out area E2B2 adjacent to the first lead-in area E2A1.

[0299] 28, when executing multiple print jobs consecutively, the printing device 12 executes the processes of steps S62 to S64 for each print job. That is, for each print job, the printing device 12 acquires landmark-included image data and landmark-free image data, and prints landmark-included image C3 and landmark-free image C4.

[0300] The printing device 12 acquires first landmark-included image data representing a first landmark-included image C31 from the first print image data. The first landmark-included image C31 is the landmark-included image C3 of the first print job J1. In one example, the first landmark-included image C31 is an image including the first product image A11 and the landmark image A3, but is not limited to this. The first landmark-included image C31 may be printed as the first target image B11 or as the first surplus image B21. The printing device 12 may acquire the first landmark-included image data by acquiring first target image data representing the first target image B11 including the landmark image A3 from the first print image data. The printing device 12 may acquire the first landmark-included image data by acquiring first surplus image data representing the first surplus image B21 including the landmark image A3 from the first print image data.

[0301] The printing device 12 acquires first marker-free image data representing a first marker-free image C41 from the first print image data. The first marker-free image C41 is the marker-free image C4 of the first print job J1. In one example, the first marker-free image C41 is an image that does not include the first product image A11 or the marker image A3, but this is not limiting. The first marker-free image C41 may be printed as the first target image B11 or as the first surplus image B21. The printing device 12 may acquire the first marker-free image data by acquiring first target image data representing the first target image B11 that does not include the marker image A3 from the first print image data. The printing device 12 may acquire the first marker-free image data by acquiring first surplus image data representing the first surplus image B21 that does not include the marker image A3 from the first print image data.

[0302] The printing device 12 acquires second landmark-included image data representing a second landmark-included image C32 from the second print image data. The second landmark-included image C32 is the landmark-included image C3 of the second print job J2. In one example, the second landmark-included image C32 is an image including the second product image A12 and the landmark image A3, but is not limited to this. The second landmark-included image C32 may be printed as the second target image B12 or as the second surplus image B22. The printing device 12 may acquire the second landmark-included image data by acquiring second target image data representing the second target image B12 including the landmark image A3 from the second print image data. The printing device 12 may acquire the second landmark-included image data by acquiring second surplus image data representing the second surplus image B22 including the landmark image A3 from the second print image data.

[0303] The printing device 12 acquires second marker-free image data representing a second marker-free image C42 from the second print image data. The second marker-free image C42 is the marker-free image C4 of the second print job J2. In one example, the second marker-free image C42 is an image that does not include the second product image A12 or the marker image A3, but this is not limited to this. The second marker-free image C42 may be printed as the second target image B12 or as the second surplus image B22. The printing device 12 may acquire the second marker-free image data by acquiring second target image data representing the second target image B12 that does not include the marker image A3 from the second print image data. The printing device 12 may acquire the second marker-free image data by acquiring second surplus image data representing the second surplus image B22 that does not include the marker image A3 from the second print image data.

[0304] In step S64, the printing device 12 prints a landmark-included image C3 and a landmark-less image C4 for each print job. The printing device 12 prints a first landmark-included image C31 and a first landmark-less image C41. The printing device 12 prints the first landmark-included image C31 and the first landmark-less image C41 in units of a first image frame F11. The printing device 12 prints a second landmark-included image C32 and a second landmark-less image C42. The printing device 12 prints the second landmark-included image C32 and the second landmark-less image C42 in units of a second image frame F12.

[0305] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 , the printing device 12 prints multiple first landmark-included images C31. For example, the printing device 12 prints the first landmark-included image C31 by printing a first target image B11 including the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 prints the first landmark-included image C31 by printing a first surplus image B21 including the landmark image A3. By printing the first landmark-included image C31, the printing device 12 may print only the first target region E11, or may print the first target region E11 and the first surplus region E21. The multiple first landmark-included images C31 may constitute only the first target region E11, or may constitute the first target region E11 and the first surplus region E21.

[0306] In the first print job J1, the landmark images A3 are arranged at a first interval L1. The first interval L1 is the interval between the landmark images A3 in two adjacent first landmark-included images C31. The first interval L1 is the interval between the landmark images A3 adjacent to each other in the image sequence of the first print job J1. The first interval L1 is determined by the size of the first image frame F11.

[0307] The printing device 12 prints multiple second landmark-included images C32. For example, the printing device 12 prints the second landmark-included image C32 by printing a second target image B12 including the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 prints the second landmark-included image C32 by printing a second surplus image B22 including the landmark image A3. By printing the second landmark-included image C32, the printing device 12 may print only the second target region E12, or may print both the second target region E12 and the second surplus region E22. The multiple second landmark-included images C32 may constitute only the second target region E12, or may constitute the second target region E12 and the second surplus region E22.

[0308] In the second print job J2, the landmark images A3 are arranged at a second interval L2. The second interval L2 is the interval between the landmark images A3 in two adjacent second landmark-included images C32. The second interval L2 is the interval between the landmark images A3 adjacent to each other in the image sequence of the second print job J2. The second interval L2 is determined by the size of the second image frame F12.

[0309] 30, the printing device 12 prints one or more first landmark-free images C41. For example, the printing device 12 prints the first landmark-free images C41 by printing a first surplus image B21 that does not include the landmark image A3. In one example, the one or more first landmark-free images C41 constitute a first surplus area E21.

[0310] The printing device 12 prints the first landmark-less image C41 at a position indicated by the omission data and adjacent to at least one first landmark-included image C31 among the multiple first landmark-included images C31. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the first landmark-less image C41 is located between the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32. In other words, the first landmark-less image C41 is printed at a position sandwiched between the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32. This allows the processing device 16 to stop at the boundary of the print job.

[0311] 31, the printing device 12 prints one or more second landmark-free images C42. For example, the printing device 12 prints the second landmark-free images C42 by printing a second surplus image B22 that does not include the landmark image A3. In one example, the one or more second landmark-free images C42 constitute a second surplus area E22.

[0312] The printing device 12 prints the second landmark-less image C42 at a position indicated by the omission data and adjacent to at least one second landmark-containing image C32 among the plurality of second landmark-containing images C32. In the example shown in FIG. 31 , the second landmark-less image C42 is positioned between the first landmark-containing image C31 and the second landmark-containing image C32. That is, the second landmark-less image C42 is printed at a position sandwiched between the first landmark-containing image C31 and the second landmark-containing image C32. This allows the processing device 16 to stop at the boundary of the print job.

[0313] In both the example shown in FIG. 30 and the example shown in FIG. 31, the landmark-less image C4 is located between the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32. As a result, the boundary distance L3 becomes larger than the first distance L1 or larger than the second distance L2. The boundary distance L3 is the distance between the landmark images A3 in the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32, sandwiching the landmark-less region G1. In one example, the boundary distance L3 is the distance between the landmark images A3 in the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32, sandwiching the landmark-less image C4. When the boundary distance L3 becomes larger than the first distance L1 or larger than the second distance L2, the processing device 16 can be stopped.

[0314] Depending on the print job, the first interval L1 and the second interval L2 may differ. This is because the size of the first image frame F11 and the size of the second image frame F12 are different. In the examples shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the first interval L1 is greater than the second interval L2. That is, the size of the first image frame F11 is greater than the size of the second image frame F12. Specifically, the length of the first image frame F11 in the transport direction Y1 is greater than the length of the second image frame F12.

[0315] When the first interval L1 and the second interval L2 are different, the boundary interval L3 may be smaller than the first interval L1 or may be smaller than the second interval L2. For example, when the second marker-less image C42 is printed as shown in FIG. 31, the boundary interval L3 may be smaller than the first interval L1. When the size difference between the first image frame F11 and the second image frame F12 is large, the boundary interval L3 is likely to be smaller than the first interval L1. In this case, the boundary interval L3 may not be larger than the detection interval of the detector 47, which may cause the processing device 16 to fail to stop in the marker-less region G1.

[0316] In response to the above, when the omission data indicates that the second landmark-less image C42 should be printed between the plurality of first landmark-included images C31 and the plurality of second landmark-included images C32, the printing device 12 is configured to print the second landmark-less image C42 so that the boundary interval L3 is larger than the first interval L1 and the second interval L2. That is, when the omission data indicates that the landmark-less image C4 should be printed at the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2, the printing device 12 is configured to print the landmark-less image C4 so that the boundary interval L3 is larger than the first interval L1 and the second interval L2. For example, the printing device 12 may print the plurality of second landmark-less images C42 between the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32 so that the boundary interval L3 is larger than the first interval L1 and the second interval L2. For example, the printing device 12 may print a plurality of first landmark-free images C41 between the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32 so that the boundary interval L3 is larger than the first interval L1 and the second interval L2. Alternatively, the printing device 12 may increase the size of the landmark-free image C4 so that the boundary interval L3 is larger than the first interval L1 and the second interval L2. The printing device 12 may edit the landmark-free image data so as to stretch the landmark-free image C4.

[0317] The first print job J1 and the second print job J2 are simply named for the purpose of distinction. Therefore, of two consecutive print jobs in Figures 30 and 31, the print job printed first may be referred to as the first print job J1, and the print job printed later may be referred to as the second print job J2. In other words, the first interval L1 and the second interval L2 may be interpreted as interchangeable, and the first marker-less image C41 and the second marker-less image C42 may be interpreted as interchangeable.

[0318] The printing process may be changed as shown in FIG. 32. The printing process shown in FIG. 32 differs from the printing process shown in FIG. 28 in that the omission data is data for empty transport at the position indicated by the omission instruction. That is, the printing device 12 may execute empty transport instead of printing the marker-less image C4. Empty transport is an operation for transporting the medium M1 without printing. A description of the processes in FIG. 32 that are common to the printing process shown in FIG. 28 will be omitted.

[0319] In step S66, the printing device 12 prints the landmark image C3 and executes an empty transport. While printing the landmark image C3, the printing device 12 executes an empty transport at the position indicated by the omission data.

[0320] In step S66, the printing device 12 prints multiple landmark-included images C3. For example, the printing device 12 prints the landmark-included images C3 by printing a target image B1 including the landmark image A3. The printing device 12 prints the landmark-included images C3 by printing a surplus image B2 including the landmark image A3. By printing the landmark-included images C3, the printing device 12 may print only the target area E1, or may print the target area E1 and the surplus area E2.

[0321] In step S66, the printing device 12 performs an empty transport. Specifically, the printing device 12 performs an empty transport so as to form a landmark-free region G1 at a position indicated by the omitted data and adjacent to at least one landmark-containing image C3. The printing device 12 performs an empty transport so as to form a landmark-free region G1 between two adjacent landmark-containing images C3 at a position indicated by the omitted data. At this time, the printing device 12 performs an empty transport so as to form a landmark-free region G1 in which the distance between the landmark images A3 in two adjacent landmark-containing images C3 separated by the landmark-free region G1 is greater than the distance between the landmark images A3 in two adjacent landmark-containing images C3 without the landmark-free region G1 in between. The landmark-free region G1 may be formed in the target region E1, in the surplus region E2, or between the target region E1 and the surplus region E2. Instead of the idle transport, the printing device 12 may perform idle ejection that does not involve ejection of liquid from the printing unit 31 onto the medium M1 when the printing unit 31 passes over the mark-free area G1.

[0322] As shown in Fig. 33, the printing device 12 executes the printing process shown in Fig. 32 to obtain a medium M1 on which a series of marker-included images C3 are arranged. In this manner, the printing device 12 executes an empty conveyance so as to insert a marker-free region G1 into the image sequence in which multiple marker-included images C3 are arranged, based on the omission data. As a result, the processing device 16 stops in the marker-free region G1.

[0323] In the example shown in FIG. 33, multiple landmark-included images C3 are arranged across the target region E1 and surplus region E2. The landmark-free region G1 is located in the surplus region E2. The landmark-free region G1 is located between landmark-included images C3 located in the surplus region E2. The landmark-free region G1 may be located between landmark-included images C3 located in the target region E1. The landmark-free region G1 may be located between the landmark-included image C3 in the target region E1 and the landmark-included image C3 in the surplus region E2, which are adjacent to each other. The landmark-free region G1 may be located at the edge of the surplus region E2.

[0324] As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the printing device 12 may execute multiple print jobs consecutively. For example, the printing device 12 may execute a first print job J1 and a second print job J2 consecutively. In this case, the user may use an empty transport to form a marker-free region G1 at the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2 to indicate the change of print jobs. This causes the processing device 16 to stop at the boundary of the print jobs. The example shown in FIG. 34 is an example in which an empty transport is executed instead of printing the first marker-free image C41 in the example shown in FIG. 31. The example shown in FIG. 35 is an example in which an empty transport is executed instead of printing the second marker-free image C42 in the example shown in FIG. 32.

[0325] The printing device 12 performs an empty transport so as to form a landmark-free region G1 between the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32. Specifically, when the omission data indicates that a landmark-free region G1 is to be formed between the plurality of first landmark-included images C31 and the plurality of second landmark-included images C32, the printing device 12 forms the landmark-free region G1 so that the boundary interval L3 is larger than the first interval L1 and the second interval L2. In other words, when the omission data indicates that a landmark-free region G1 is to be formed at the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2, the printing device 12 performs an empty transport so as to form a landmark-free region G1 in which the boundary interval L3 is larger than the first interval L1 and the second interval L2. This allows the processing device 16 to stop at the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2.

[0326] <Functions and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> Next, the operation and effects of the fourth embodiment will be described. (4-1) The printing device 12 forms a landmark-free region G1 that does not include a landmark image A3 between two adjacent landmark-included images C3 at a position indicated by the omission data. According to the above configuration, the landmark-free region G1 is formed based on the print image data D1 and the omission data. The processing device 16, which detects the landmark image A3, automatically stops in the landmark-free region G1. This reduces the effort required for processing.

[0327] (4-2) The printing device 12 forms the landmark-free region G1 by printing the landmark-free image C4 between two adjacent landmark-containing images C3 at the position indicated by the omission data. With the above configuration, the printing system 11 can easily form the landmark-free region G1.

[0328] (4-3) When the omission data indicates that a marker-less image C4 is to be printed between a plurality of first marker-included images C31 and a plurality of second marker-included images C32, the printing device 12 prints the marker-less image C4 so that the distance between the marker images A3 in the first marker-included image C31 and the second marker-included image C32 sandwiching the marker-less image C4 is greater than the distance between the marker images A3 in two adjacent first marker-included images C31 and the distance between the marker images A3 in two adjacent second marker-included images C32. According to the above configuration, when the marker-less image C4 is located at the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2, the processing device 16 automatically stops at the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2. This reduces the effort required for processing.

[0329] (4-4) The printing device 12 acquires, from the first print image data, marker-free image data representing the marker-free image C4 that does not include the first product image A11 or the marker image A3. With the above configuration, the marker-free image C4 does not include the product image A1, making it easier for the user to grasp the boundary between the first print job J1 and the second print job J2.

[0330] (4-5) The print image data D1 is data included in a PDF file. The PDF file includes image data with markers and image data without markers. With the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily obtain image data without markers.

[0331] (4-6) The printing device 12 acquires the marker-free image data by extracting the marker image A3 from the print image data D1 based on the spot color. According to the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily acquire the marker-free image data.

[0332] (4-7) The printing device 12 acquires the marker-free image data by extracting the marker image A3 from the print image data D1 based on the layer. According to the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily acquire the marker-free image data.

[0333] (4-8) The printing device 12 acquires the marker-free image data by combining the superimposition data with the print image data D1. According to the above configuration, the printing device 12 can easily acquire the marker-free image data.

[0334] (4-9) The printing device 12 transports the medium M1 so as to form a mark-free region G1 between two adjacent mark-included images C3 at the position indicated by the omitted data, such that the distance between the mark images A3 in two adjacent mark-included images C3 that are separated by a mark-free region G1 among the plurality of mark-included images C3 is greater than the distance between the mark images A3 in two adjacent mark-included images C3 that are not separated by a mark-free region G1 among the plurality of mark-included images C3. According to the above configuration, the distance between the mark images A3 in the adjacent mark-included images C3 that are separated by the mark-free region G1 is greater, allowing the processing device 16 to stop. This reduces the effort required for processing.

[0335] (4-10) When the omission data indicates that a landmark-free region G1 is to be formed between a plurality of first landmark-included images C31 and a plurality of second landmark-included images C32, the printing device 12 transports the medium M1 to form a landmark-free region G1 in which the distance between the landmark images A3 in the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32 that are adjacent to each other across the landmark-free region G1 is greater than the distance between the landmark images A3 in two adjacent first landmark-included images C31 and the distance between the landmark images A3 in two adjacent second landmark-included images C32. If the distance between the landmark images A3 in the first landmark-included image C31 and the second landmark-included image C32 that are adjacent to each other across the landmark-free region G1 is small, the processing device 16 may not stop. According to the above configuration, the interval between the mark images A3 in the first mark-included image C31 and the second mark-included image C32 adjacent to each other across the mark-free region G1 is increased, so that the processing device 16 can be stopped, thereby reducing the effort required for processing.

[0336] <Example of change> The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs. The above-described embodiments can be combined with each other in any way.

[0337] The printing device 12 may directly receive target area instructions, surplus area instructions, etc. from the terminal device 15. The printing device 12 may store print jobs and layout files. The information processing device 13 may be configured integrally with the printing device 12.

[0338] The liquid ejected by the printing unit 31 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the printing unit 31 may eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0339] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0340] (A) A printing system includes a printing device that prints an image on a medium and an information processing device that processes information related to the printing device, wherein the printing device includes a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, and a control unit that controls the printing unit based on a print job including the print image data, and the information processing device includes an information storage unit that stores a plurality of print jobs and an information control unit that transmits information to the printing device, and the information control unit receives one or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs, thereby receiving a target print instruction to print a target area and a surplus print instruction to print a surplus area different from the target area. The printing system is configured to execute the following: receiving a print command; transmitting the surplus data based on the surplus printing command and the one or more print jobs to the printing device; and the control unit is configured to execute the following: acquiring target image data indicating a target image including the product image from the print image data; acquiring surplus image data indicating surplus images not including the product image from the print image data, the surplus image data indicating the surplus images whose size matches the target image; printing the target area by printing the number of target images indicated by the print job; and printing the surplus area by printing the number of surplus images indicated by the surplus data. With the above configuration, the printing system can separately accept the number of target images and the number of surplus images. This allows the user to easily set the surplus area, thereby reducing the effort required for processing.

[0341] (B) In the above printing system, the surplus area may include a lead-in area and a lead-out area, the surplus data may indicate the number of surplus images that make up the lead-in area and are printed before the target area, and the number of surplus images that make up the lead-out area and are printed after the target area, and the control unit may print the lead-in area and the lead-out area by printing the number of surplus images indicated by the surplus data. According to the above configuration, the printing system can accept the number of surplus images that make up the lead-in area and the number of surplus images that make up the lead-out area. This allows the user to easily set the lead-in area and the lead-out area.

[0342] (C) The printing system may include a plurality of printing devices, and the printing device may be one of the plurality of printing devices. The information control unit may be configured to: accept two or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs; and accept a printing device selected from the plurality of printing devices as a destination of the two or more print jobs, thereby accepting the target print instruction; and, after accepting the target print instruction, accept the surplus print instruction; and transmit the two or more print jobs and the surplus data to the printing device. According to the above configuration, a user can issue a surplus print instruction to an information processing device after allocating two or more print jobs to the printing devices. This allows the user to easily configure the surplus area.

[0343] (D) In ​​the above printing system, the surplus printing instruction may include information specifying the length of the surplus area, and the information control unit may be configured to determine the number of surplus images that make up the surplus area based on the length of the surplus area and the print image data, and to send the surplus data indicating the number of surplus images that make up the surplus area to the printing device. According to the above configuration, the user can specify the length of the surplus area. The printing system prints the number of surplus images according to the specified length. This allows the user to easily configure the surplus area.

[0344] (E) In the above printing system, the surplus area may include a lead-in area and a lead-out area, and the surplus printing instruction may include information specifying the length of the lead-in area to be printed before the target area and the length of the lead-out area to be printed after the target area. The information control unit may be configured to determine the number of surplus images that will constitute the lead-in area based on the length of the lead-in area and the print image data, determine the number of surplus images that will constitute the lead-out area based on the length of the lead-out area and the print image data, and send the surplus data indicating the number of surplus images that will constitute the lead-in area and the number of surplus images that will constitute the lead-out area to the printing device. According to the above configuration, a user can specify the length of the lead-in area and the lead-out area. The printing system prints the number of surplus images corresponding to the specified length. This allows the user to easily configure the lead-in area and the lead-out area.

[0345] (F) In the printing system, the information storage unit may store a plurality of layout files, and the information control unit may receive the surplus printing instruction by receiving one or more layout files selected from the plurality of layout files. With the above configuration, a user can easily set the surplus area by selecting a layout file.

[0346] (G) In the above printing system, the plurality of print jobs may include information specifying a processing device to process the printed medium, and the plurality of layout files may be associated with the processing device, and the information control unit may select the one or more layout files from the plurality of layout files so that the processing device specified by the one or more print jobs matches the processing device associated with the one or more layout files. Depending on the processing device, the length required for the surplus area may differ. According to the above configuration, the number of surplus images is determined depending on the processing device used for processing. This improves usability.

[0347] (H) In the printing system, the information control unit may receive the surplus print instruction by receiving the number of surplus images that make up the surplus area. With this configuration, the user can specify the number of surplus images. This allows the user to easily set the surplus area.

[0348] (I) In the above printing system, the information control unit may be configured to receive the target print instruction and transmit the two or more print jobs and the surplus data to the printing device by receiving two or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs, and the control unit may print the surplus area for each of the two or more print jobs. With this configuration, the user can easily set the surplus area to be printed for each print job. This reduces the effort required for processing.

[0349] (J) In the above printing system, the one or more layout files include a first specified value and a second specified value that specify the number of surplus images that constitute the surplus area, and the information control unit is configured to execute the following: accepting the target print instruction by accepting two or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs, and transmitting the two or more print jobs and the surplus data to the printing device; and the control unit may determine whether to print the surplus images with the first specified value or the second specified value based on the execution order of the two or more print jobs. Depending on the execution order of the print jobs, it may not be necessary to adjust the processing device. In this case, a small surplus area may not be a problem. With the above configuration, the surplus area setting can be changed depending on the execution order of the print jobs, improving usability.

[0350] (K) In the printing system, the one or more layout files may include information written in the surplus area, and the control unit may acquire the surplus image data indicating the surplus image including the information written in the one or more layout files. According to the above configuration, the surplus area is printed with the surplus image including the information in the layout file. This improves usability.

[0351] (L) A printing device includes a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, and a control unit that controls the printing unit based on a print job including the print image data. The control unit is configured to: accept the print job to print a target area; accept surplus data to print an surplus area different from the target area; acquire target image data representing a target image including the product image from the print image data; acquire surplus image data representing surplus images that do not include the product image and whose size matches the target image; print the target area using the number of target images indicated by the print job; and print the surplus area using the number of surplus images indicated by the surplus data. This configuration allows the user to easily set the surplus area, thereby reducing the user's effort.

[0352] (M) A printing method in which a computer controls a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, based on a print job including the print image data, the printing method including the steps of: receiving the print job to print a target area; receiving surplus data to print an surplus area different from the target area; acquiring target image data representing a target image including the product image from the print image data; acquiring surplus image data representing surplus images that do not include the product image, the surplus image data representing the surplus images having a size matching that of the target image; printing the target area using the number of target images indicated by the print job; and printing the surplus area using the number of surplus images indicated by the surplus data. The method achieves the same effects as the printing device.

[0353] (N) An information processing device processes information about a printing device that prints images on a medium based on print image data including product images. The information processing device includes an information storage unit that stores multiple print jobs including the print image data and multiple layout files, and an information control unit that transmits information to the printing device. The information control unit is configured to: receive one or more print jobs selected from the multiple print jobs, thereby receiving a target print instruction to print a target area where the target images including the product images are located in the number indicated by the one or more print jobs; receive one or more layout files selected from the multiple layout files, thereby receiving a surplus print instruction to print a surplus area where the surplus images not including the product images are located in the number indicated by the one or more layout files; and transmit the one or more layout files and the one or more print jobs to the printing device. This configuration allows a user to easily configure the surplus area by selecting a layout file, thereby reducing the user's effort.

[0354] (O) A program for causing a computer to process information related to a printing device that prints images on a medium based on print image data including product images, the program being executed by a computer having an information storage unit that stores multiple print jobs including the print image data and multiple layout files, and an information control unit that transmits information to the printing device, causes the computer to: accept a target print instruction for printing target areas where target images including the product images are located in the number indicated by the one or more print jobs by accepting one or more print jobs selected from the multiple print jobs; accept an excess print instruction for printing excess areas where excess images not including the product images are located in the number indicated by the one or more layout files by accepting one or more layout files selected from the multiple layout files; and send the one or more layout files and the one or more print jobs to the printing device. The program achieves the same effects as the information processing device described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0355] A1...product image, A11...first product image, A12...second product image, A2...product icon, A3...marker image, A4...pattern image, B1...target image, B11...first target image, B12...second target image, B2...surplus image, B21...first surplus image, B22...second surplus image, C1...image with product, C2...image without product, C3...image with marker, C31...first image with marker, C32...second image with marker, C4...image without marker, C41...first image without marker, C42...second image without marker, C5...image with pattern, C6...image without pattern, D1...printed image data, D2 ...job data, D3...surplus data, D4...print data, E1...target area, E11...first target area, E12...second target area, E2...surplus area, E21...first surplus area, E22...second surplus area, E2A...lead-in area, E2A1...first lead-in area, E2A2...second lead-in area, E2B...lead-out area, E2B1...first lead-out area, E2B2...second lead-out area, F1...image frame, F11...first image frame, F12...second image frame, G1...area without marker, J1...first print job, J2...second print job Job, L1...first interval, L2...second interval, L3...boundary interval, M1...medium, P1...first pattern, P2...second pattern, R1...roll body, Y1...conveyance direction, 11...printing system, 12...printing device, 13...information processing device, 14...network, 15...terminal device, 16...processing device, 21...processing terminal, 22...processing control unit, 23...processing memory unit, 24...processing display unit, 25...processing operation unit, 26...device main body, 27...feeding spindle, 28...winding spindle, 29...conveyance unit, 30...support base, 31...printing unit, 32...printing control unit, 33...printing memory unit, 41...supply spindle, 42 ...Recovery axis, 43...Transport mechanism, 44...Processing table, 45...Processing section, 46...Processing blade, 47...Detection section, 51...Terminal control section, 52...Terminal memory section, 53...Terminal display section, 54...Terminal operation section, 61...Information control section, 62...Information memory section, 63...List screen, 64...List column, 65...Selection column, 66...Transition button, 67...Job setting screen, 68...Device list column, 69...Job list column, 70...Surplus setting screen, 71...Lead-in setting column, 72...Lead-out setting column, 73...Lead-in input column, 74...Lead-out input column, 75...Print order display column, 76...Start button.

Claims

1. a printing device for printing an image on a medium; an information processing device that processes information about the printing device, The printing device a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image; a control unit that controls the printing unit based on a print job that includes the print image data, The information processing device includes: an information storage unit that stores a plurality of print jobs; an information control unit that transmits information to the printing device; The information control unit receiving a target print instruction to print a target area by receiving one or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs; receiving a surplus print instruction to print a surplus area different from the target area; transmitting surplus data based on the surplus print instruction and the one or more print jobs to the printing device; The control unit acquiring target image data representing a target image including the product image from the print image data; Obtaining excess image data from the print image data, the excess image data indicating excess images that do not include the product image, the excess image data indicating the excess images having a size that matches the target image; printing the target area by printing the target image as many times as indicated by the print job; printing the excess area by printing the excess image as many times as indicated by the excess data.

2. the surplus area includes a lead-in area and a lead-out area, the surplus data indicates the number of the surplus images constituting the lead-in area that is printed before the target area, and the number of the surplus images constituting the lead-out area that is printed after the target area, 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prints the lead-in area and the lead-out area by printing the surplus images in the number indicated by the surplus data.

3. the printing system includes a plurality of printing devices; the printing device is one of the plurality of printing devices; The information control unit Accepting the target print instruction by accepting two or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs and accepting the printing device selected from the plurality of printing devices as a transmission destination of the two or more print jobs; receiving the surplus print instruction after receiving the target print instruction; 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the printing system is configured to execute the above-mentioned operation by transmitting the two or more print jobs and the excess data to the printing device.

4. the surplus printing instruction includes information specifying the length of the surplus area, The information control unit determining the number of the surplus images constituting the surplus area based on the length of the surplus area and the print image data; and transmitting the excess data indicating the number of the excess images that make up the excess area to the printing device.

5. the surplus area includes a lead-in area and a lead-out area, the surplus printing instruction includes information specifying a length of the lead-in area to be printed before the target area and a length of the lead-out area to be printed after the target area, The information control unit determining the number of the surplus images constituting the lead-in area based on the length of the lead-in area and the print image data; determining the number of the surplus images constituting the lead-out area based on the length of the lead-out area and the print image data; and transmitting the surplus data indicating the number of surplus images constituting the lead-in area and the number of surplus images constituting the lead-out area to the printing device.

6. the information storage unit stores a plurality of layout files; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the information control unit accepts the surplus printing instruction by accepting one or more layout files selected from the plurality of layout files.

7. The plurality of print jobs include information specifying a processing device for processing the printed medium, the plurality of layout files are associated with a processing device; The printing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the information control unit selects the one or more layout files from the plurality of layout files so that the processing device specified by the one or more print jobs matches the processing device associated with the one or more layout files.

8. The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the information control unit receives the surplus printing instruction by receiving the number of the surplus images that make up the surplus area.

9. The information control unit accepting the target print instruction by accepting two or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs; transmitting the two or more print jobs and the excess data to the printing device; The printing system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit prints the surplus area for each of the two or more print jobs.

10. the one or more layout files include a first designated value and a second designated value that designate the number of the surplus images that constitute the surplus area; The information control unit accepting the target print instruction by accepting two or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs; transmitting the two or more print jobs and the excess data to the printing device; The printing system according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the control unit determines whether to print the surplus image with the first specified value or the second specified value based on the execution order of the two or more print jobs.

11. the one or more layout files include information to be written in the surplus area, 8. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit acquires the surplus image data indicating the surplus image including information described in the one or more layout files.

12. a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image; a control unit that controls the printing unit based on a print job that includes the print image data, The control unit accepting the print job to print a target area; receiving surplus data for printing a surplus area different from the target area; acquiring target image data representing a target image including the product image from the print image data; Obtaining excess image data from the print image data, the excess image data indicating excess images that do not include the product image, the excess image data indicating the excess images having a size that matches the target image; printing the target area according to the number of target images indicated by the print job; and printing the excess area with the excess images in the number indicated by the excess data.

13. A printing method in which a computer controls a printing unit that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, based on a print job including the print image data, The computer accepting the print job to print a target area; receiving surplus data for printing a surplus area different from the target area; acquiring target image data representing a target image including the product image from the print image data; Obtaining excess image data from the print image data, the excess image data indicating excess images that do not include the product image, the excess image data indicating the excess images having a size that matches the target image; printing the target area according to the number of target images indicated by the print job; and printing the excess area with the excess images in the number indicated by the excess data.

14. An information processing device that processes information about a printing device that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, an information storage unit that stores a plurality of print jobs including the print image data and a plurality of layout files; an information control unit that transmits information to the printing device; The information control unit receiving a target print instruction to print target areas in which target images including the product image are located as many times as indicated by the one or more print jobs by receiving one or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs; receiving a surplus print instruction to print surplus areas in which surplus images not including the product image are positioned in the number indicated by the one or more layout files by receiving one or more layout files selected from the plurality of layout files; and transmitting the one or more layout files and the one or more print jobs to the printing device.

15. A program that causes a computer to process information about a printing device that prints an image on a medium based on print image data including a product image, the program being executed by a computer that includes an information storage unit that stores a plurality of print jobs including the print image data and a plurality of layout files, and an information control unit that transmits information to the printing device, The computer, receiving a target print instruction to print target areas in which target images including the product image are located as many times as indicated by the one or more print jobs by receiving one or more print jobs selected from the plurality of print jobs; receiving a surplus print instruction to print surplus areas in which surplus images not including the product image are positioned in the number indicated by the one or more layout files by receiving one or more layout files selected from the plurality of layout files; and transmitting the one or more layout files and the one or more print jobs to the printing device.

Images